Covered Electronic Devices Recycling Grant Program

The Covered Electronic Devices Recycling Grant Program is administered by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection through its Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan Recycling Program. This program is funded through registration fees collected from manufacturers of covered electronic devices, which are deposited into the Covered Electronic Devices Takeback Fund. The purpose of the program is to support initiatives that divert electronic waste from landfills and promote responsible recycling practices across the state. The program is rooted in legislative authority under West Virginia Code and is designed to provide financial assistance to local governments for implementing electronic recycling systems and public education efforts. The primary objective of the grant program is to increase participation in electronic recycling by supporting the development of collection events, ongoing recycling programs, and public awareness campaigns. Eligible projects must demonstrate the ability to affect a measurable volume of electronic waste and should aim to involve a significant portion of the local population. The program emphasizes both operational effectiveness and educational outreach, encouraging applicants to design initiatives that not only collect devices but also inform residents about the importance of recycling covered electronic devices. Grant funds may be used for a range of approved purposes directly related to electronic recycling. These include operational expenses, advertising and outreach efforts, purchase of equipment and supplies, and educational programming. Promotional materials that increase public awareness are also allowable. However, the program strictly prohibits the use of funds for unrelated expenditures such as land acquisition, office renovations, entertainment, lobbying, or landfill operations. Additionally, funds cannot be used to replace existing program budgets, ensuring that grants expand rather than supplant current efforts. The program includes a tiered matching requirement. The first portion of funding up to a specified threshold does not require a match, while any amount above that threshold must be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis by the applicant using non-department funds. In-kind contributions are not eligible as matching funds. This structure is intended to encourage local investment while still providing accessible funding for smaller initiatives. The maximum grant amount is capped, and applicants must carefully plan their budgets to comply with these requirements. Eligibility for the program is limited to municipalities, county commissions, and county solid waste authorities within West Virginia. Applicants must submit their proposals through the designated online system, and no alternative submission methods are accepted. The application package includes required forms such as the application itself, a budget estimate, and a resolution authorizing the submission. Applicants must also be prepared to comply with procurement requirements, including competitive bidding for larger expenditures, and must maintain detailed financial and operational records for a specified period. Applications are reviewed by the Department of Environmental Protection, which evaluates them based on compliance with eligibility criteria, project design, and potential impact. The department reserves the right to reject applications that do not meet requirements or to prioritize applicants who have not received funding in the previous cycle if demand exceeds available funds. Final approval is granted by the Secretary of the department, and applicants are notified of the outcome following the review process. The grant cycle operates on an annual basis, beginning on October 1 and ending on September 30 of the following year. Applications must be submitted by August 31 for consideration in the upcoming cycle. Successful applicants are required to submit a comprehensive final report within 30 days of the grant period’s conclusion, detailing expenditures, program outcomes, and supporting documentation. The department may also conduct site visits during the grant period to monitor progress and ensure compliance with program requirements.

Ensure project demonstrates measurable impact and broad community participation; follow procurement and reporting requirements strictly