Virginia Non-Competitive Litter Prevention and Recycling Grant

The Virginia Non-Competitive Litter Prevention and Recycling Grant is administered by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality under authority granted by the Code of Virginia Sections 10.1-1422 and 10.1-1422.04. The program provides annual non-competitive funding to Virginia localities for litter prevention and recycling activities designed to support local environmental education, cleanup initiatives, recycling promotion, and anti-littering efforts. Funding is generated through taxes established under Sections 58.1-1700 through 58.1-1710 of the Code of Virginia and distributed through the Litter Prevention and Recycling Fund. According to DEQ, the grants have been awarded annually since 1980 and are distributed based on population and road miles. The program also includes support for public information campaigns discouraging the sale and use of expanded polystyrene products. The purpose of the grant is to support litter prevention and recycling program implementation, continuation, and expansion throughout Virginia localities. Eligible programs must contain at least two elements of a comprehensive litter prevention and recycling strategy. Eligible elements include planning and organization, recycling, youth education, cleanups, law enforcement, public communication, and locality-sponsored Adopt-A programs. Additional eligible activities may include source reduction, reuse, recycling initiatives, procurement of recycled goods, and expanded polystyrene educational campaigns. DEQ emphasizes that the grant funds are intended specifically for educational activities supporting anti-littering and pro-recycling efforts within local communities. Eligible applicants include all cities, counties, and incorporated towns in Virginia that operate eligible litter prevention and recycling programs. Localities may apply individually or participate in cooperative programs involving multiple jurisdictions. Cooperative programs may be coordinated either by a participating locality or by a non-governmental coordinating agency acting on behalf of participating localities. Non-governmental coordinating agencies must provide documentation demonstrating authorization to accept and administer funds for participating localities. Applications must be submitted by an authorized official such as a County Administrator, City Manager, Town Manager, or Coordinating Agency Executive Director. Applicants are also required to provide correct Federal Identification Number and Federal Information Processing Standards information to avoid delays in award processing. The funding guidelines provide extensive detail regarding allowable and prohibited expenditures. Authorized uses of funds include salaries and wages for litter and recycling program staff, office supplies, postage, educational materials, cleanup supplies, recycling equipment, travel expenses, volunteer cleanup disposal costs, litter collection contracts, workshops, and educational audiovisual materials. Grant funds may also support recycling collection efforts and public educational campaigns. However, DEQ specifically prohibits the use of grant funds for beautification projects, landscaping, lawn maintenance equipment, unrelated solid waste disposal activities, meals associated with award events, and large media purchases exceeding $500. DEQ also states that computers, desks, cell phones, and similar equipment are generally not permissible because they may support programs unrelated to litter prevention and recycling activities. The application process is relatively streamlined and focuses on organizational and programmatic information. Applicants may submit applications through the online myDEQ Application Portal or by mailing signed application forms to the DEQ Litter Prevention and Recycling Grants Program in Richmond, Virginia. Required application components include designation as a single locality or cooperative program, identification of participating localities, selection of at least two eligible program activities, organizational contact information, authorized official certifications, FIPS and FIN identifiers, and disclosures regarding unspent prior-year grant funds. The source materials also require localities to submit annual Accounting Reports and Performance Reports documenting expenditures and program activities. Failure to submit these reports may delay or prevent future grant payments. The grant program operates on an annual recurring cycle. For the current 2027 grant cycle, DEQ began accepting applications on April 1, 2026, and applications are due June 30, 2026. Accounting Reports and Performance Reports for awarded funds are due annually by August 1. Awards are typically processed beginning in September following reconciliation of the Commonwealth fiscal year and release of funds by the Treasurer. For the previous 2026 grant year, DEQ distributed $2,821,681 among 167 applicants for non-competitive grants and expanded polystyrene campaign activities. Assistance and technical questions may be directed to the DEQ Litter Prevention and Recycling Grants Program at va-landr@deq.virginia.gov or by phone at 804-698-4000.

Ensure the application includes at least two eligible program elements; avoid prohibited expenses such as beautification projects, landscaping, food, lawn equipment, and large media purchases; submit accounting and performance reports by August 1 to avoid future funding delays; verify FIN and FIPS numbers because incorrect entries may delay grant awards; use grant funds only for litter prevention and recycling educational activities.