Higher Education Research Grant Program

The Recycling Enhancement Act Higher Education Research Grant Program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) through its Division of Sustainable Waste Management. The program is funded through the State Recycling Fund, a non-lapsing revolving fund supported by recycling tax revenues under New Jersey law. A portion of this fund, capped at five percent annually, is designated to support institutions of higher education conducting recycling-related research, demonstration, and educational initiatives. The program reflects the state’s commitment to improving recycling systems, infrastructure, and environmental outcomes through applied research and innovation. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that enhance existing recycling resources, tools, or methodologies, or that create new approaches aligned with the objectives of the Recycling Enhancement Act. Eligible project types include recycling demonstration projects, research studies, and educational or professional training initiatives. The program outlines fourteen specific topic areas, ranging from lifecycle analyses of packaging and compostable materials to investigations into lithium-ion battery recycling and behavior change campaigns in schools. Applicants may also propose open-ended projects, provided they align with statutory goals and demonstrate tangible environmental or operational benefits. Funding for this opportunity is approximately $2 million across fiscal years, with no defined maximum award amount. Grant amounts are determined based on proposal quality, project scope, and available funds. Allowable costs include personnel salaries, fringe benefits, supplies, contractual services, and indirect costs. Applicants may apply approved negotiated indirect cost rates or a default rate of ten percent of modified total direct costs. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement specified. Projects must be structured in twelve-month increments and completed within two years of the start date unless otherwise approved for multi-year work. Eligibility is restricted to New Jersey institutions of higher education. However, applicants are encouraged to collaborate with external partners, including qualified entities with specialized expertise that enhances the proposed work. Preference is given to proposals that include such partnerships. Projects are not required to take place on campus but must demonstrate benefit to recycling goals within New Jersey. Applicants must also consider regulatory requirements, environmental justice impacts, and any necessary permits or approvals associated with their proposed work. The application process requires submission of a cover page, detailed proposal narrative, and itemized budget. The narrative must include a comprehensive description of the project, objectives, methodology, anticipated challenges, environmental justice considerations, timeline, and expected outcomes. Applicants must also provide documentation of team qualifications, partnership agreements where applicable, and supporting materials such as resumes and references. Applications must be submitted electronically via email to the designated program contact. Applications are due by April 24 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time. Selected projects are expected to be announced by July 24, with notification provided via email. Project timelines should account for approximately six months to finalize grant agreements following award notification. Once awarded, grantees must submit quarterly progress reports detailing project status, expenditures, and preliminary findings. Final deliverables must be completed within the agreed project timeframe, with extensions granted only under specific circumstances. Proposals are evaluated based on a structured scoring system totaling 100 points. Criteria include the benefit and applicability of the project, feasibility and implementation plan, relevance to program goals, creativity of approach, and demonstrated capacity of the applicant team. The NJDEP retains full discretion in funding decisions and may adjust project scope or funding allocations during the review process. For additional information or submission inquiries, applicants may contact Riley Kirejevas at the NJDEP Division of Sustainable Waste Management via email.

Emphasize practical application and measurable impact; demonstrate feasibility and clear methodology; include strong partnerships with qualified entities; align closely with one of the specified research topics; ensure detailed and realistic project timeline