Solid Waste Management Grant Program | SWMFY2022

Opportunity Information: Apply for SWMFY2022

The Solid Waste Management Grant Program (Funding Opportunity Number SWMFY2022, CFDA 10.762) is a discretionary grant offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service. Its purpose is to strengthen solid waste management in eligible communities by paying for technical assistance, training, and planning support rather than physical construction or equipment purchases. The program is designed to help communities and landfill operators improve how they manage solid waste, protect water resources, and responsibly close or transition landfills that are nearing the end of their operating life.

Grant funds can be used for several practical, community-focused activities. A major allowable use is evaluating current landfill conditions to identify risks or threats to water resources, which can include assessments that help communities understand environmental vulnerabilities and prioritize corrective actions. The funding can also support technical assistance and training aimed at improving operator knowledge and day-to-day competence for active landfill operation and maintenance, helping ensure facilities are managed safely and in compliance with applicable requirements. In addition, the program can fund assistance and training that helps communities reduce the overall solid waste stream, which may involve education, program design support, and operational guidance that reduces disposal demand. Another key use is supporting operators of landfills that are already closed or expected to close soon, including the development and implementation of closure plans, future land use plans, safety and maintenance planning, and closure scheduling that aligns with permit requirements.

The program is clear about what it will not pay for, and those restrictions point to its core focus on capacity-building rather than financing projects or assets. Grant funds may not be used to recruit applications for USDA water and waste loans or any other loan or grant programs. They also cannot be used to duplicate services that are already being provided or to replace support that would normally be paid for through other means, such as routine consulting work performed for associations to develop projects (including feasibility studies, design work, and cost estimates). The grant cannot fund political or lobbying activities. It also cannot be used to pay for capital assets or major purchases, including real estate or vehicles, nor can it be used to improve or renovate office space or repair and maintain privately owned property. Importantly, it cannot pay for construction, improvement, rehabilitation, modification, or operations and maintenance of water, wastewater, or solid waste disposal facilities. Costs incurred before the grant effective date are also not eligible under the rules referenced in 7 CFR 1775.

For this specific opportunity cycle, the notice lists an award ceiling of up to $1,000,000 and anticipates around 40 awards. The opportunity was created on October 7, 2021, with an original closing date of December 31, 2021. Eligible applicants are listed broadly as "Others" with additional eligibility details expected in the full announcement. Overall, this grant is best understood as funding for expertise, training, and planning that helps communities manage solid waste more safely and efficiently, rather than funding for building or running facilities.

• The Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service in the community development, environment, opportunity zone benefits sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Solid Waste Management Grant Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.762.
• This funding opportunity was created on Oct 07, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Dec 31, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 40 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for SWMFY2022

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: