Farm and Ranch Solid Waste Clean Up and Abatement Grant Program

The Farm and Ranch Solid Waste Cleanup and Abatement Grant Program is administered by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), a state agency responsible for overseeing recycling, waste reduction, and environmental protection programs throughout California. The program is authorized under California Public Resources Code Section 48100 and corresponding California Code of Regulations provisions. Its purpose is to provide financial assistance for the cleanup and abatement of illegal disposal sites located on agricultural and ranch properties. The program addresses public health, environmental, and nuisance concerns caused by unauthorized dumping activities on lands used for farming, ranching, horticulture, aquaculture, silviculture, floriculture, vermiculture, viticulture, livestock production, crop production, and other agricultural operations. CalRecycle offers multiple application cycles each fiscal year, subject to available appropriations. The grant program supports cleanup activities on properties that qualify as farm or ranch land under Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations Section 17991(d). Eligible properties may be publicly or privately owned and do not need to currently maintain active agricultural sales or production, provided the property is appropriately zoned or otherwise authorized for agricultural or rangeland activities. Eligible sites may also include appurtenant easements and rights-of-way such as public roads or utility corridors associated with agricultural operations. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that unauthorized disposal has occurred, that responsible parties cannot be identified or compelled to pay for remediation, and that the site presents a threat to public health, safety, or the environment. The program excludes sites that are permitted solid waste facilities or officially closed facilities under applicable California regulations. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, Resource Conservation Districts, and federally recognized Native American Tribes as defined in California Public Resources Code Section 48100(d)(1). Applicants may apply for funding to support a range of cleanup and abatement activities. Eligible costs include administration, personnel time, disposal and recycling costs, cleanup equipment, materials, and site security measures designed to prevent future illegal dumping. The grant program provides up to $200,000 in total awards per applicant per fiscal year, with a maximum of $50,000 available per individual cleanup site. For fiscal year 2026-27, approximately $797,000 is available statewide for awards across four funding cycles. The application process is conducted through the CalRecycle Grants Management System. Applicants must monitor the CalRecycle Funding page and the California Grants Portal for publication of the Notice of Funds Available and application materials. For the FY 2026-27 funding cycles, applications are due on July 8, 2026 for Cycle 91, October 7, 2026 for Cycle 92, January 6, 2027 for Cycle 93, and April 7, 2027 for Cycle 94. Applicants submit their applications electronically through the online system. Customer service support is available only until 4:00 p.m. on the application due date. Secondary due dates approximately one month after the initial application deadline require submission of approved resolutions, letters of commitment, authorization documents, and Environmental Preferable Purchasing and Practices policy documentation if not previously submitted. CalRecycle also offers a pilot option during the fourth cycle that allows applicants additional flexibility in submitting supporting documents. Under the pilot process, applicants may initially submit only a governing resolution and estimated project expenses by the application deadline. Remaining required application forms may then be submitted after conditional award approval but before any cleanup costs are incurred. This pilot approach is intended to accommodate applicants who need additional time to complete administrative documentation while still seeking funding for urgent cleanup activities. The program reserves the right to revise procedures and requirements prior to issuance of grant agreements, and applicants acknowledge acceptance of the applicable terms and conditions upon submission. Applications are evaluated according to approved program criteria established by CalRecycle. Projects must demonstrate that illegal disposal occurred without authorization from the current property owner or related parties and that remediation is necessary to address environmental or public health concerns. The intended future use of the property must remain consistent with agricultural or rangeland purposes. Funding recommendations are typically considered several months after each application cycle closes, with tentative award announcements scheduled for October 2026 for Cycle 91, January 2027 for Cycle 92, March 2027 for Cycle 93, and June 2027 for Cycle 94. The final report and final payment request deadline for awarded projects is April 4, 2029. Recurring annual funding cycles and multiple application windows indicate that the program is expected to continue as an ongoing state environmental cleanup initiative. Applicants seeking additional guidance may contact the program directly at FarmAndRanch@calrecycle.ca.gov. General grant application assistance is available through Grant.Assistance@calrecycle.ca.gov for technical issues involving the Grants Management System. Supplemental resources including fact sheets, forms, grant administration documents, awarded grant cycle reports, and program updates are available through the CalRecycle website and associated listserv notifications. The program is intended to reduce environmental hazards, support agricultural land stewardship, and assist local governments and tribal entities in addressing illegal dumping impacts that exceed local remediation capabilities.

Provide strong documentation proving the site qualifies as agricultural or ranch land and clearly demonstrate that the dumping was unauthorized and not caused by the property owner or applicant. Emphasize public health, environmental, and nuisance impacts and include complete cost estimates and supporting authorizations by secondary due dates.