Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant Program

The Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant Program is administered by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services through its Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling. This office is responsible for supporting statewide efforts to improve waste management practices and promote environmental sustainability. The program operates under the framework of the South Carolina Solid Waste Policy and Management Act of 1991, which establishes requirements for waste reduction, recycling, and reporting by local governments. The Office provides financial assistance to help local entities meet these statutory obligations and enhance their environmental performance. The primary purpose of the Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant Program is to support projects that advance recycling and waste reduction efforts at the local government level. Funding is derived from a dedicated revenue stream consisting of a two dollar fee collected at the retail level on appliances and lead acid batteries. These funds are then redistributed through competitive grants to eligible applicants to implement programs that reduce waste, increase recycling rates, and improve overall waste management systems within their jurisdictions. Eligible applicants include counties, cities, towns, and regional entities within South Carolina that provide solid waste services. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a good faith effort to comply with the requirements of the state’s solid waste management law and must have submitted all required reports under the Act. This ensures that funding is directed toward jurisdictions that are actively engaged in responsible waste management practices and regulatory compliance. Grant funds may be used for a wide range of recycling and waste reduction initiatives, provided that the proposed project can demonstrate a measurable and positive impact on the applicant’s ability to meet recycling goals. While specific allowable costs are not exhaustively detailed, projects are expected to contribute directly to improved diversion rates, enhanced recycling infrastructure, or expanded public participation in waste reduction efforts. The program emphasizes practical, results driven initiatives that align with statewide environmental objectives. The application process is conducted on an annual cycle, with opportunities typically opening in the spring of each fiscal year. Although specific application components are not detailed, applicants are expected to submit proposals demonstrating project impact, compliance history, and alignment with program goals. Awards are determined on a competitive basis, indicating that applications are evaluated relative to one another based on merit and anticipated outcomes. Program administration includes direct contact support from designated staff within the Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling. For this grant program, the primary contact is Stefanie Vandiver, who can be reached by phone for inquiries related to application requirements, eligibility, and program details. While exact award timelines and performance periods are not specified, the recurring annual nature of the program indicates an ongoing opportunity for eligible entities to apply in future cycles if not selected in a given year.

Demonstrate clear measurable impact on recycling or waste reduction goals and strong compliance with state reporting requirements