2024 Region 4 Sustainable Materials Management Grants

Background
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 is launching the 2024 Region 4 Sustainable Materials Management Grants competition aimed at enhancing community resilience and sustainability through sustainable materials management (SMM). This initiative supports projects that utilize various technical assistance methods such as research, education, training, and innovative demonstrations. The projects must be implemented within EPA Region 4, which encompasses Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Grant Details
Eligible applicants must select at least one of the following SMM priorities:

1) Addressing Municipal Recycling Markets in Region 4 - Projects should aim to enhance recycling systems and markets by fostering collaboration among local governments and organizations to improve collection and distribution of recyclable materials. Examples include establishing cooperative networks for recycling or developing methods to improve market information for recyclables.

2) Strategies for Preventing Food Loss and Waste in Region 4 - Projects should align with the National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste by preventing food loss, increasing organic waste recycling rates, and supporting policies that encourage food waste reduction. Examples include developing policies for food diversion to new markets or increasing public awareness about food waste reduction benefits.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include states, local governments, tribal agencies, interstate agencies, non-profit organizations (501(c)(3)), and minority-serving institutions. All projects must occur within EPA Region 4. There is no requirement for cost sharing or matching funds.

Period of Performance
Projects are anticipated to start on June 1, 2025, with a performance period not exceeding two years.

Grant Value
EPA anticipates awarding approximately $250,000 total across about 2-4 grants ranging from $50,000 to $125,000 each.

Place of Performance
The grant activities must take place within EPA Region 4 which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.