Grants
The Solid Waste District offers grant programs to assist communities, schools and nonprofits with developing and promoting recycling programs.
The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District offers competitive grant programs to assist communities, schools, and nonprofits with developing and promoting recycling, composting and waste reduction programs.
In 2023, applications for the Solid Waste District grants are due February 1 and grantees will receive notice of award in March. Details regarding our three available grants are below.
Grants from Other Agencies
- Ohio EPA Recycling and Litter Prevention Grant Program supports communities, businesses and academic institutions that initiate or expand recycling programs, encourage sustainable practices, stimulate economic growth, and support litter prevention efforts through four different grants. See details about the Ohio EPA grants. EPA grants are awarded on an annual basis. Applications for 2024 open the first Monday in October (October 2, 2023) and close the first Friday in December (December 1, 2023) at 3:00 PM.
- The Recycling Partnership's Grant Program presents communities with the opportunity to apply for grant funding to convert bin or bag based curbside recycling programs to carts or to implement new cart-based curbside recycling programs. Applications for funding are accepted by The Recycling Partnership on an ongoing and continuous basis.
Need help with fillable PDFs? Check out wikiHow.
Grants from the Solid Waste District
[for municipalities, villages and townships]
Community Recycling Awareness Grant
The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District created the Community Recycling Awareness Grant to help the 59 communities in Cuyahoga County educate residents about recycling and waste reduction. Cities, villages and townships in Cuyahoga County may apply for up to $6,000 in funding. Funds for special projects may also be requested.
This grant helps communities educate residents about recycling, typically through printed materials such as brochures, refrigerator magnets, newsletters and fliers or calendars. To make it easy to produce these materials and to keep recycling messages consistent across the county, the District has graphics, customizable templates and design tools for communities to use. See the toolkit.
Funding is also available to help communities conduct shredding events and to purchase public space recycling containers.
This grant does not cover:
- the cost of items like reusable bags, pens and pencils, seed packets, coloring books, balloons, yard waste bags or similar giveaways.
- the purchase of trash receptacles and/or shipping costs for containers.
2022 Grant Projects
Looking for creative inspiration? Check out some of the items purchased or produced with grant funds in 2022.
2023 Grant Application
See the 2023 Community Recycling Awareness Grant (CRAG) application instructions and application form. Applications are due February 1, 2023.
For more information about this grant program, send an email.
2023 Grant Timeline
- Late November 2022: District grants announced for 2023.
- February 1, 2023: Deadline to submit a hard copy of your community's grant application. See the 2023 Community Recycling Awareness Grant (CRAG) application instructions and application form.
- March 2023: Award selection; letters sent by email to grantees on 3/6/2023.
- October 2023: Projects must be finalized and completed.
- November 1, 2023: Deadline to submit a hard copy of your community's final grant report and supporting paperwork. See the 2023 Community Recycling Awareness Grant final report.
[for nonprofits and schools]
Waste Reduction, Recycling Container, and Composting Equipment Grant
The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District created the Waste Reduction, Recycling Container, and Composting Equipment Grant to help schools, nonprofit organizations and institutions reduce waste by establishing or expanding recycling or composting programs within their facilities.
Eligible applicants may apply for grants of $5,000 and under to purchase recycling or composting containers, equipment, supplies and associated signage. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis and are subject to approval by the Solid Waste District Board of Directors.
Grant Application
See the 2023 Waste Reduction, Recycling Container, and Composting Equipment Grant application instructions and application form. Applications are due February 1, 2023.
Nonprofits and schools that are interested in grant funds for recycling and/or composting equipment, please contact:
- Nonprofits/Universities: Doreen Schreiber, (216) 443-3732 or send an email
- Schools: Carin Miller, (216) 443-3731 or send an email
Grant Tips
For organizational recycling information and tips on how to implement grants, see recycling at school and how to start a business recycling program.
Need to purchase recycling containers or find labels and signage options? See our list of resources for equipment & labels.
Special Projects Grant
The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District created a Special Projects Grant to support communities, nonprofit businesses, and institutions that reduce waste by initiating or expanding recycling programs, composting programs, illegal dumping programs, encourages sustainable practices, and increasing awareness of and participation in proper materials management.
Eligible applicants may apply for grants of $25,000 and under to purchase equipment, materials and services that will support sustainable materials management and reduce the environmental impact of waste. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis and are subject to final approval by the District?s Board of Directors.
Grant Application
See the 2023 Special Projects Grant Application fillable PDF. Applications are due February 1, 2023.
For more information about this grant program, send an email.
Grant Timeline
- Late November 2022: District grants announced for 2023.
- February 1, 2023: Deadline to submit a hard copy of your community's grant application. See the 2023 Special Projects Grant application instructions and application form.
- March 2023: Award selection; letters sent by email to grantees on 3/6/2023.
- October 2023: Projects must be finalized and completed.
- November 1, 2023: Deadline to submit a hard copy of your final grant report and supporting paperwork. See the 2023 Special Projects Grant final report.
Presentations for Civic Groups, Businesses and Schools
The Solid Waste District offers waste reduction, composting and recycling presentations tailored to the interests and needs of civic organizations, businesses, schools or groups. As part of your grant application, consider requesting a speaker. We can also host a booth or a table at your event. See details.