School Carton Recycling Program Grant

The School Carton Recycling Program Grant is offered by the Carton Council, an industry organization dedicated to expanding the collection, sorting, and end markets for food and beverage cartons across the United States and Canada. The organization works to improve recycling infrastructure and increase the recovery of cartons so that they can be processed into new products. A key strategy in achieving this mission is supporting schools, which generate significant volumes of recyclable cartons through meal programs, in establishing and strengthening effective recycling systems. This grant program is designed to provide financial assistance to K-12 schools to implement, expand, or enhance carton recycling initiatives. The focus is on improving recycling outcomes in cafeterias and other areas where cartons are commonly consumed. For the 2026-27 cycle, the Carton Council is prioritizing schools located in communities where carton recycling access has recently been introduced or expanded. This prioritization aims to reinforce new recycling infrastructure and ensure consistent participation and material recovery in these areas. Funding supports a range of project types that contribute to the collection, recovery, and education of carton recycling. Allowable uses include the purchase and installation of recycling stations or bin systems, development of signage and labeling to improve recycling accuracy, and implementation of education and outreach programs. Additional eligible activities include the formation of student-led initiatives such as green teams, expansion of recycling programs to additional schools within a district, and upgrades to existing systems to incorporate carton recycling. All funded projects must demonstrate a clear connection to increasing the recovery of cartons generated within the school environment. Grant amounts are flexible and determined based on the scope and anticipated impact of the proposed project. The Carton Council evaluates applications on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as alignment with expanding recycling access, expected increases in carton recovery and student participation, the number of students and schools affected, and the strength of the educational and engagement strategy. Additional considerations include cost-effectiveness, project readiness, and the ability to implement the project within the 2026-27 school year. The Council may fund only a portion of the total project cost rather than the full amount requested. Eligibility is limited to applicants representing K-12 educational institutions. This includes public and private schools, school districts, and boards of education, as well as administrators, sustainability coordinators, or facilities staff applying on behalf of a school or district. Applicants must be located in communities where food and beverage cartons are accepted for recycling and must verify access to a recycling program that includes cartons through a local provider or the Carton Council’s recycling locator tool. The application process opens on May 1, 2026 and closes on June 30, 2026, with the listing noting a specific end time of July 1, 2026 at 9:30 AM, which is interpreted as the final submission cutoff. Applications are reviewed by the Carton Council team, and applicants may be contacted for additional information or clarification during the review period. Award notifications are expected in Summer 2026, and funded projects are to be implemented during the 2026-27 school year. The program does not specify recurring cycles explicitly, but the naming convention and structure suggest it may be offered annually. No specific contact person, email, or phone number is provided in the source material, and no formal PDF guidelines document is referenced. Applicants are expected to ensure project feasibility within the school year and demonstrate measurable improvements in carton recycling outcomes.

Emphasize measurable increases in carton recovery, strong education plans, cost effectiveness, and readiness for implementation within the school year