Together, America Prospers

Solid Waste Management Grants

What does this 

program do?

This program reduces or 

eliminates the pollution of water 

resources by funding eligible 

organizations that provide 

technical assistance or training 

to improve planning for – and 

management of – solid waste 

disposal sites. 

Who can apply?

• Public bodies

• Nonprofits

• Federally-recognized Tribes 

• Academic institutions

All applicants must have:

• Proven ability, background, 

or experience to successfully 

complete a project similar to 

the one proposed

• Legal authority and capacity 

to provide technical assistance 

or training

What is an eligible area?

Rural areas and towns with 

populations of 10,000 or fewer. 

To check your eligibility, visit 

https://go.usa.gov/xMwaC.

Special consideration may be given to 

projects serving:

• Areas with populations of fewer than 

5,500, or 2,500, respectively

• Regional, multistate, or national areas

• Lower-income populations

How can funds be used? 

• Evaluate current landfill conditions to 

identify threats to water resources

• Provide technical assistance or 

training to enhance the operation 

and maintenance of active landfills

• Provide technical assistance or 

training to help communities reduce 

the amount of solid waste coming 

into a landfill

• Provide technical assistance or 

training to prepare for closure and 

future use of a landfill site

These grants cannot be used to:

• Duplicate current services, or replace 

or substitute support or services 

already provided by a consultant 

during project development

• Duplicate assistance provided by 

the U.S. Forest Service

• Pay for capital assets, real estate, 

or vehicles

• Pay for construction, operation, 

or maintenance

• Improve or renovate office space, or 

repair or maintain private property

• A comprehensive list is available 

at https://www.ecfr.gov, under 

7 CFR 1775.5 

Are there terms for grants?

• This is a nationally-competitive grant

• Projects must be completed within 

12 months

• Grants are subject to the availability 

of funds

Are matching funds required?

Matching funds are not required for this 

grant. However, applicant and in-kind 

contributions are encouraged.

Who currently participates in 

this program?

A list of current Solid Waste Management 

Grant recipients is available at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xM6Pe.

How do we get started?

• Application materials and resources 

can be found under the “To Apply” 

tab on the Solid Waste Management 

program webpage, available at this 

link: https://go.usa.gov/xMwxT.

• The annual application period for 

Solid Waste Management Grants is 

open from October 1 - December 31. 

Applications must be submitted using 

https://www.grants.gov/.
Solid Waste Management Grants

Who can answer questions?

Contact the grant manager at 

water-rd@usda.gov.

What governs this program?

• 7 CFR 1775 in the Code of Federal 

Regulations, available at this link: 

https://www.ecfr.gov

• Section 310B of the Consolidated 

Farm and Rural Development 

Act, available at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xMwTC

Why does USDA Rural Development 

do this?

This program helps small communities 

and utilities better manage solid 

waste disposal.

NOTE: Because information changes, always consult official program instructions 

or contact your local Rural Development office for help. A list is available at this 

link: https://go.usa.gov/xJHPE. You will find additional resources, forms, and program 

information at https://rd.usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, 

and lender.

Last Updated November 2022