EPA Opens $20M SWIFR Funding for Tribes, Intertribal Consortia Applications

The Facts -

EPA Announces $20 Million in Recycling Grants for Tribes

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting applications from tribal entities and intertribal consortia to compete for $20 million in funding through its Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) program. This announcement marks the program's first application round since the Trump administration, as revealed by the agency on Monday.

SWIFR was established by the bipartisan Save Our Seas Act 2.0 in 2020 and initially funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed by President Joe Biden in 2021. The legislation provides the program with a yearly budget of $55 million from fiscal 2022 to 2026, with Congress occasionally adding to this amount.

For this funding cycle, the EPA plans to provide between $100,000 and $1.5 million per award, with around 20 agreements expected, totaling approximately $20 million. Most projects should span three years, but those in Alaska may extend up to five years.

Eligible projects should focus on initiatives such as source reduction, data collection, increasing diversion rates, or enhancing materials management infrastructure, as outlined by the EPA. Projects may target materials such as organics, curbside recyclables, construction and demolition waste, scrap tires, and batteries.

The deadline for application submissions is December 12, with the EPA scheduled to host an informational webinar on October 7 for applicants.

Previously, the EPA allocated SWIFR grants in 2023 to various projects, including the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe's food waste composting facility in New York, the Crow Tribe of Indians' recyclable collection service in Montana, and a regional recycling center in Nome, Alaska by Kawerak.

Challenges have emerged for federal grant recipients, including mixed messages from the Trump administration and the cancellation of numerous grants, some related to environmental justice issues. Additionally, issues with the U.S. Treasury's reimbursement system and reduced support staff have complicated the funding process.

Despite these challenges, the EPA has been reinforcing its commitment to waste management projects. It recently launched the Feed It Onward initiative, aiming to connect food donors with military communities to reduce waste. Furthermore, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin recently visited ExxonMobil's chemical recycling complex and a Clean Harbors hazardous waste incinerator.

The EPA has consistently stated that the SWIFR program will persist, alongside the Recycling Education and Outreach funding initiative. The agency is also currently selecting applicants for a second SWIFR funding round, distributing $58 million to various communities, states, and territories.

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