Community Waste Reduction and Recycling (CWRAR) Grant Program - Standard Projects

The Community Waste Reduction and Recycling (CWRAR) Grant Program invites local governments to submit proposals for funding up to $30,000 to enhance waste reduction and recycling initiatives. This program aims to support local governments in building capacity to divert materials from waste streams and promote public awareness of recycling. Joint projects and multi-type funding requests are encouraged, with a mandatory cash match of 20% of the grant request. Proposals are now being accepted for the 2025 cycle.

Note:
Only one proposal per eligible entity will be accepted. Grant proposals may combine funding requests for multiple types of projects into one proposal. The available funding limits still apply. Joint projects are encouraged in which two or more local governments partner on a project and contribute funding. Any local government participating in a joint project proposal may not submit additional proposals. Proposals will not be accepted from local governments that have not submitted the required Solid Waste and Materials Management Annual Report for the most recent fiscal year.
Grants for Local Governments
The N.C. Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service (DEACS) administers the Solid Waste Outreach Program including associated funds for making grants to local governments in support of waste reduction efforts. Local governments interested in these grants are encouraged to check this website periodically for updates. Please be aware that funding levels, contract periods, and eligibility requirements vary between the different grant programs.
Community Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant Program
Proposals are now being accepted for the 2025 Community Waste Reduction and Recycling (CWRAR) Grant Program.
This grant program is a recurring annual funding opportunity for local governments to build lasting capacity to divert materials from the waste stream and/or increase public awareness of recycling.
Request For Proposals
The purpose of this grant program is to assist local governments with the implementation, expansion, and improvement of waste reduction and recycling programs in North Carolina. The Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service (DEACS) administers the Community Waste Reduction and Recycling (CWRAR) grant program through the Solid Waste Management Outreach Program.
With the release of this Request for Proposals (RFP), DEACS is seeking proposals that help communities build lasting capacity to divert materials from the waste stream and/or that increase public awareness of waste reduction and recycling. Applicants should carefully read this entire RFP prior to submitting a proposal.
Standard Project Grants – Eligible for up to $30,000 of grant funding
Standard Project Grants include any projects that increase or enhance public waste reduction and recycling but fall outside of the 2025 priorities. Standard Projects may include but are not limited to drop-off recycling infrastructure, vehicles and infrastructure for recycling collection or consolidation, education and outreach initiatives, or construction and demolition recycling.
Cash Match
CWRAR grants require a cash match of at least 20 percent of the requested grant funding. For example, a grantee requesting a $20,000 grant must match at least $4,000 with local funds for a total project cost of $24,000. Distributions from the $2 per ton Solid Waste Disposal Tax may be used to cover cash match requirements. In-kind contributions will not be accepted in lieu of cash match.
To calculate the necessary cash match for any grant project, determine the total budget associated with the project and then use the following equation: total project budget ÷ 6 = required cash match.