Zero Waste Grant Program

Zero Waste Grant Program

Funder: The Neighborhood Recycling Corporation (Eureka Recycling)

Geographic Scope: Minnesota, US

Status: Legislation proposed (HF2693) as of March 2023. Current status as of April 2026 unknown.

Overview:
A grant program designed to support small businesses, non-profits, and local governments in their efforts to create reuse systems, reduce waste, and contribute to a circular economy.

Funding Priorities

• At least 60% of grant funds required to be spent on projects impacting environmental justice areas
• At least 30% of grant funds required to be invested in rural Minnesota communities

Eligible Focus Areas

1. Source Reduction & Reuse: Projects transitioning away from single-use to reuse systems; projects keeping valuable resources in the ground (e.g., school districts purchasing dishwashers and reusable dishes) 2. Electronic Source Reduction & Recycling: Efforts to increase and expand electronics recycling and repair across the state 3. Market Development: Development of robust local markets for reusables, compost, recyclables, and refurbished goods 4. Recycling & Composting Infrastructure: Projects that expand access to recycling and composting; projects that improve processes; community-scale composting programs

Eligible Applicants

• Small businesses
• Non-profit organizations
• Local governments

Program Philosophy

Prioritizes reuse and reduction as primary strategies. Examples of eligible projects:
• School districts purchasing dishwashers and reusable dishes to move away from single-use disposables
• Central collection and washing stations for refillable bottles for cottage industries or breweries
• Community-scale composting programs that reduce food waste and create healthy soils for urban gardens

Key Definitions

Program includes strong definitions for:
• Composting
• Recycling
• Reuse
• Zero waste

These definitions are intended to close loopholes on false solutions and ensure grant funds target activities achieving source reduction.

Contact Information

Lucy Mullany Director of Policy and Advocacy Eureka Recycling

Background Context

The program was created in response to:
• Historic supply chain disruptions
• Climate crisis intensification
• Rampant plastic pollution
• Minnesota's 2017 waste data: 1.8+ million tons in landfills, 1.3+ million tons to incinerator
• EPA finding: 40% of greenhouse gas emissions come from linear consumption
• MPCA finding: Nearly two-thirds of landfilled and burned materials in Minnesota could be reduced, reused, recycled, or composted with improved infrastructure