The purpose of the upcoming Request for Applications (RFA) is to fund projects, sustainable beyond the grant period, which will enhance the financial viability of recycling, composting, reuse, repurposing, and waste reduction in Colorado and will create new jobs in the state. Preventing waste before it is created is the most effective reduction method (reduce), followed by reuse, and recycle. This is the 16th funding cycle for this RFA.

Eligibility Requirements
Grants are competitively available to qualified applicants whose proposals reduce waste or increase diversion through one of the following strategies (in no particular order) and create jobs: 

• Establishing or improving programs or methods that divert materials from landfills, which may include material recycling or reuse for various materials or products, composting, and food rescue;
• Leveraging regional partnerships to maximize economies of scale with consideration to circularity or end-market development;
• Developing best practices in recycling, composting, waste minimization and diversion, reuse, and repurposing;
• Implementing proven diversion methods through volume-based pricing, market incentives, contracting, policy, or other mechanisms;
• Providing detailed waste diversion studies on the impacts of recycling and material reuse in Colorado;
• Educating and informing the public about waste diversion. This includes incorporating elements of community based social marketing (CBSM). CBSM maintains that the creation of long-term or permanent behavioral change involves person-to-person contact and counters the argument that using media alone to provide information will result in substantial change. Employing concepts drawn from social psychology, CBSM defines clear steps to accomplish lasting and quantifiable change in human behavior. For more information about CBSM, visit this link.

When Can I Apply?

The RFA is expected to be available November 6, 2023, with applications due on January 5, 2024. Projects are anticipated to begin on July 1, 2024. 

Please email [email protected] with any questions prior to November 6th. Questions submitted after November 6th will be part of the formal questions & answers process.