Together, America Prospers

Solid Waste Management Grants

What does this 

program do?

This program reduces or 

eliminates pollution of water 

resources by providing funding 

for organizations that provide 

technical assistance or training 

to improve the planning and 

management of solid waste sites.

Who may 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 a 

population of 10,000 or less. 

To check eligibility visit 

https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/.

Special consideration may be given for 

projects serving:

• An area with fewer than 5,500 or 

fewer than 2,500 people;

• regional, multi-state, or national 

areas; or

• lower-income populations.

What may the funds be used for?

• 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 may not be used to:

• Duplicate current services, replace 

or substitute support previously 

provided, i.e., service already 

rendered by a consultant in 

developing a project

• 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

° See 7 CFR 1775.5 for a 

complete list (https://www.ecfr.gov)

Are there terms for grants?

• This is a nationally competitive grant.

• Projects should 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 recommended.

Who currently participates in 

this program?

The current list of Solid Waste 

Management Grant Recipients 

is published on the Solid Waste 

Management Program overview tab at 

https://rd.usda.gov/programs-services/

solid-waste-management-grants.

How do we get started?

• Application materials and resources 

can be found under the To Apply 

tab on the Solid Waste Management 

Program page.

° Applications for this program are 

accepted annually through a local 

RD Office. You can find a local 

RD office by visiting https://www.

rd.usda.gov/page/state-offices

° Program resources (includes forms 

needed, guidance, certifications etc.)
Solid Waste Management Grants

Who can answer questions?

Contact the solid waste grant 

manager, Christopher Adamchak 

at (352) 363-0550 or 

Christopher.Adamchak@usda.gov.

What governs this program?

• Code of Federal Regulations 

7 CFR 1775 (https://www.ecfr.gov)

• Section 310B of the Consolidated 

Farm and Rural Development Act

Why does USDA Rural Development 

do this?

This program helps small communities 

and utilities better manage solid 

waste disposal.

NOTE: Because citations and other information may be subject to change, 

please always consult the program instructions listed in the section above 

titled “What Governs This Program?” You may also contact your local office for 

assistance. You will find additional forms, resources, and program information at 

www.rd.usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Last Updated November 2020