Solid Waste Grants

The Solid Waste Grants program, administered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, supports innovative waste reduction, reuse, and recycling projects. Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, and educational institutions. Projects may include recycling facilities, composting initiatives, and educational outreach programs. A minimum 25% match is required, and funds cannot be used for operational costs or grant application expenses. This initiative promotes sustainable waste management practices across Kansas.

The Bureau of Waste Management (BWM) administers a number of grant programs related to household hazardous waste, solid waste, and waste tire products.
Eligible Projects
Waste reduction, reuse and recycling projectsRecycling equipment necessary for operating a recycling facilityComposting equipment; food waste and yard waste composting; tree and brush mulching and composting; city-wide or site-specific compostingInnovative technologies that utilize Kansas’ recyclable materials to produce a new product.Waste minimization packaging projects and projects to refurbish or resell marketable items are examples of acceptable projectsEducational programs and activities such as environmental fairs and festivals, special training sessions, seminars, teacher education training workshops, and educational presentationsEducational outreach and public awareness projects including any training, educational outreach or public relations programs disseminating information on various integrated solid waste management solutionsEnhancements of active recycling projects, documentation must show need or expansion into new areasPrograms consistent with the KDHE statewide “Keep It Clean Kansas” educational campaign

Eligibility

Who Can ApplyKansas counties, municipalities, solid waste management regions, universities/colleges and private entities. Private entities are eligible only if the local government responsible for planning identifies the private organization as providing a service needed to sustain the county solid waste management plan.The applicant must be in good standing:If the applicant owns or operates a solid waste disposal facility, all solid waste tonnage permit fees must be current and paid.Grantee shall obtain all necessary and applicable permits, and comply with all applicable federal, state and local statutes regarding solid wastes.A prior grant recipient must not have utilized grant funds for an unauthorized purpose.Prior grants must be closed, or a status report of the project must be submitted with the application.Match RequirementIf awarded, the grant will pay up to 75% of the eligible costs in the awarded project; the match requirement is a minimum of 25% of the total project. It is acceptable and preferred for the applicant demonstrate an in-kind or financial match greater than 25%.The grantee must provide cash match for at least ½ of the required 25% match.Eligible Items that can be used as “In-Kind Match”Salaries of employees only working on the grant projectVolunteer hours at the rate of $12.00/hourProfessional services (this includes services contracted for assistance with the grant project, must provide a detailed invoice for these services)Travel expenses related to the grant projectEligible Items that can be purchased using Grant FundingWaste reduction, reuse, and recycling projectsCapital equipment and supplies. Capital equipment are expenditures of individual items exceeding $2,000.Innovative technologies utilizing Kansas’s recyclable materialsEnhancements of active recycling projectsEducational programs and activitiesEducational outreach and public awareness activities

Ineligibility

Items NOT Eligible for Match or Grant ReimbursementThe cost of preparing the grant and permit applicationsPermit feesTravel costs – except for those related to the projectGeneral operation and maintenance costs of an existing or proposed facilityFederal, State, or donated funds from other sources