Solid Waste Diversion Grant Program

The Solid Waste Diversion Grant Program is administered by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection through its Division of Materials Management. The program is designed to support efforts across the state of Maine that reduce the amount of solid waste sent to disposal facilities. By encouraging more sustainable waste management practices, the program aligns with broader environmental goals related to conservation, climate resilience, and resource efficiency. The Department of Environmental Protection serves as the primary oversight body, evaluating projects based on their ability to improve diversion outcomes and contribute to long-term sustainability. The purpose of the grant program is to fund initiatives that develop, implement, or expand systems that divert solid waste from landfills and incineration. Eligible project types include organic waste diversion education, composting and anaerobic digestion systems, source reduction initiatives, reuse and repair programs, and upcycling of discarded materials. These activities are intended to reduce environmental impacts, improve resource recovery, and promote community engagement in waste reduction practices. The program supports projects across multiple stages, including planning, design, and implementation, allowing applicants to propose both early-stage concepts and fully developed operational efforts. Funding under this program may be used for a variety of allowable activities related to solid waste diversion. This includes educational programming, infrastructure development, equipment purchases, and operational support necessary to achieve project goals. The program requires a matching contribution equal to 25 percent of total project costs, ensuring that recipients share financial responsibility and demonstrate commitment to project success. This cost-sharing requirement applies to all applicants and must be documented as part of the application process. Eligibility for the grant is broad but limited to entities based in the state of Maine. Eligible applicants include individuals, municipalities, regional organizations, businesses, retailers, schools, universities, and other institutions, whether public or private. Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed project is likely to increase the diversion of solid waste within a defined geographic area such as a community, municipality, region, or statewide. The Department evaluates eligibility and project viability in accordance with state law governing solid waste management programs. The application process for the Solid Waste Diversion Grant Program included a defined submission window. Applications opened on February 18, 2026 and closed on April 13, 2026. Applicants were required to submit detailed project proposals outlining objectives, expected outcomes, budgets, and compliance with program requirements. While specific evaluation criteria are not explicitly outlined, the Department assesses proposals based on their effectiveness in increasing waste diversion and their alignment with program goals. Contact for the program is available through Mark King at the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. The program operates on a recurring basis, with future funding rounds anticipated. It is expected to open twice annually, and the next anticipated application cycle is scheduled for mid-September 2026. This recurring structure provides ongoing opportunities for eligible Maine-based entities to seek funding for waste diversion initiatives. The program’s continuity supports sustained investment in environmental stewardship and resource management across the state.