Residential Sharps Collection Program

The Residential Sharps Collection Program is administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency through its Materials Management and Compliance Section under authority granted by the Illinois Environmental Protection Act. The program is funded through the Illinois Solid Waste Management Fund and is designed to support safe and compliant disposal of household sharps waste, such as needles and syringes, collected from private residents. This initiative reflects the agency’s broader objective to reduce environmental and public health risks associated with improper disposal of medical waste while expanding access to safe collection infrastructure across Illinois. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide reimbursement to units of local government that establish or operate residential sharps collection stations. These stations are intended to serve Illinois residents by offering a designated location for the disposal of used sharps. The program emphasizes increasing geographic coverage and accessibility, noting that previous funding cycles have supported programs in a portion of counties statewide, with continued expansion anticipated. The funding supports operational sustainability and encourages local governments to maintain compliant collection practices. Funding under this opportunity is structured as reimbursement for actual eligible costs incurred during the grant period. Allowable expenses include public education and outreach materials, advertising for collection programs, procurement of sharps containers for residents, on-site receptacles, transportation costs associated with permitted medical waste haulers, and disposal fees. Indirect costs are also eligible provided the applicant maintains an approved indirect cost rate agreement. However, personnel costs are explicitly excluded, and costs incurred outside the approved performance period are not eligible. Additionally, grantees may not combine this funding with other sources to exceed full project cost coverage. Eligibility is limited to units of local government that are pre-qualified through the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act system. Applicants must demonstrate administrative and operational capacity, including compliance with applicable environmental regulations and proper oversight of contractors or subcontractors. Sharps collected under this program must originate solely from private residents, and no commercial or business-generated waste may be included. Applicants are also required to accept sharps from all Illinois residents regardless of local jurisdiction. The application process is conducted through the AmpliFund platform and requires submission of a comprehensive application package. This includes a uniform grant application, detailed budget with supporting quotes where applicable, conflict of interest disclosure, and a narrative project plan addressing need, capacity, and quality. Applicants must also include a performance plan outlining measurable deliverables and quarterly milestones. Evaluation criteria are based on these narrative components and the applicant’s ability to meet program objectives and compliance requirements. The submission window opens on May 20, 2026, and remains open until March 1, 2027, or until funding is exhausted. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with anticipated award notifications issued approximately 30 days after submission of a complete application and grant agreements executed within approximately 60 days thereafter. The performance period begins either July 1, 2026, or upon execution of the agreement and concludes on June 30, 2027. Final reports are due by July 30, 2027. Questions may be directed to program staff via email or phone, and technical assistance is available for applicants during the application period.

Ensure strong narrative responses addressing need capacity and quality and provide clear documentation for all proposed costs especially vendor quotes for outreach and materials