For those looking to work on building and/or expanding their recycling program, there are options available to assist in funding these projects in the form of recycling grants. These grants vary in funding based on the industry that is working on implementing these projects as well as the location of the project. These grants, which are typically funded by large corporations, governmental organizations and/or non-for-profit organizations, are also able to assist in educational funding to help others understand recycling programs themselves, or even supply bins directly to help grow your program. The grants as seen below are just a few that can be found in Canada.
CANADIAN GRANTS
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Grant
This grant supports a wide array of environmental initiatives that focus primarily on environmental education as well as green space programs. Those who are considered a registered Canadian charity, a Canadian educational institution, a Canadian municipality, or an Aboriginal group located in Canada are eligible.
No set minimum/maximum funding, average grant sizes are $2,000 – $8,000
Green Municipal Fund
This funding is provided to help Canadian municipalities, small communities, and/or Indigenous communities fund their next sustainability project. This funding also looks to help bring projects to life that address local environmental challenges and enhance the quality of life via sustainability projects that help municipalities adopt climate solutions for municipal buildings, fleet electrification, community energy systems, organic waste-to-energy programs, and a net-zero transformation.
Grants can range from $100K-$500k
EcoAction Community Funding Program
This program is for any non-for-profit and non-governmental organizations such as environmental groups, community groups, youth and senior groups, etc. that wish to address an environmental priority. Projects must produce positive environmental results, provide opportunities for community members, and lead to results that will continue to be sustained even after the funding has been completed.
Funding for this program is a minimum of $25K with a maximum of $100K per project; a minimum of at least 50% of the project’s value must come from a source or sources other than the Canadian Government.
MANITOBA
Recycle Everywhere
Recycle Everywhere promotes beverage container recycling everywhere either at home, at schools, in the workplace, and in the community. All bins are paid for by beverage producers who supply Manitoba’s market via a container recycling fee. This fee is on every non-alcoholic, non-dairy beverage container.
Recycle Everywhere provides bins that are sourced through contract providers upon request.
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Solid Waste Management Innovation Fund
MMSB’s Solid Waste Management Innovation Fund (SWMIF) provides financial support to innovators who are advancing sustainable waste management by finding creative ways to turn trash into treasure in Newfoundland and Labrador. To be considered eligible, you must own and/or operate a business, a non-for-profit, or an industry association with the project being any part of the waste management hierarchy.
Grants can reach a maximum of $50K
Community Waste Diversion Fund
The Community Waste Diversion Fund provides financial support to communities across Newfoundland and Labrador that are finding exciting new ways to reduce, reuse or recycle more waste. Those that are considered eligible are within the province as a member of a municipality, an Indigenous community, and/or a local service district and include the projects impact on the waste management hierarchy among other items within their application.
Grants can reach a maximum of $25K
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
NT Waste Reduction and Recycling Initiative
The Waste Reduction and Recycling Initiative (WRRI) provides financial assistance to projects tackling some waste reduction initiatives. These projects must include one of the following: the reduction of community generated waste, the reuse of materials, the collection and recycling of materials not already collected through an existing program, environmental education, and/or the repurposing of waste for a positive benefit. Eligible applicants include NWT-based municipalities, Indigenous governments, schools, organizations, businesses and individuals.
Grants can provide a maximum of $50K
NOVA SCOTIA
Divert NS Municipal Funding
Divert NS provides funding for municipalities to encourage their waste diversion efforts. The Municipal Efficiency Fund provides support in the research, development, and implementation of projects to assist in solid waste resource management in the province whereas the Municipal Adoption Fund looks to assist in those looking to adopt a waste diversion program.
Grants are able to provide up to 50% of funding assistance
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
PEI Funding for Municipal Infrastructure
This funding is available for municipal governments to work on projects with the emphasis on green infrastructure through the intent to improve the environment, as well as to improve the community infrastructure. If the project has already started, it is no longer considered eligible, however, if it’s process is a stage-by-stage process, funding may still be available for future stages.
Grants are provided of up to 33% of the eligible cost of the project; this can be provided by the federal, provincial, and/or municipal governments.
SASKATCHEWAN
City of Saskatoon Environmental Grant
This grant is available to non-for-profit organizations to assist in implementing initiatives that advance the city’s strategic goal of environmental leadership. Projects must meet a community need and involve a reduction of waste going to landfills, conservation of resources, as well as a few other categories.
Grants can reach a maximum of $10K
Additional Recycling Grants available in Canada
Sadly, there used to be more options available, and we know that these options are only skimming the surface for what is available for recycling grants in Canada to assist your program.
If you know of any other recycling grant programs that can be added to this list, please send an email to tbaillie@buschsystems.com
If you are looking for assistance for how to best use your recycling grant money for Busch Systems recycling containers, our Sustainability Advisors might be able to assist you! For more information, click here.
