The State Department of Conservation is accepting funding proposals for its Beverage Container Recycling Market Development and Expansion Grant Program.
A total of $20 million is available for calendar year 2007 as part of an ongoing statewide effort to encourage sustainable, innovative approaches to the recovery and re-use of recyclable bottles and cans.
The overall goals of the Program are to improve the recycling rate for California Refund Value (CRV) beverage containers and to encourage programs to achieve sustainable containers, packaging materials or systems in California. The grants also aim to stimulate job creation in the state. The Department seeks innovative, but realistic projects that (1) create market opportunities for new, sustainable products or packaging made from recycled beverage container materials; (2) expand market-related activities for existing products made from recycled beverage container materials; (3) improve the quality and supply of beverage container material feedstock for use in manufacturing sustainable products or packaging; or (4) create market opportunities for new, sustainable beverage packaging.
Businesses, non-profits, cities, counties, joint powers authorities, universities, tribes, and state or federal government organizations have been invited by the Department of Conservation to submit concept papers by July 13, 2007.
The Department will be looking for grant projects that create new and expanded end-uses for aluminum, glass and plastic beverage containers, and improve supplies and quality of recycled feedstock for use in manufacturing. Recycling market development and expansion-related proposals may address, but are not limited to:
Recycling Market Development & Expansion Grants
The first grant allocation in February 2004 included funding for 15 projects, followed by eight projects in March 2005, ten projects in March 2006, and nine projects in October 2006. The Department is initiating a fifth grant cycle by soliciting proposals from a wide array of organizations, including private businesses, manufacturers, trade associations, environmental groups, and community organizations. Both for profit and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.
Funding for the grants was re-authorized by the passage of Assembly Bill 3056 (Chapter 907, Statutes of 2006). The law authorizes the Department to issue up to $20 million annually until January 1, 2012. The grants are funded by unredeemed deposits on California Refund Value bottles and cans, at no cost to the State’s General Fund.
For additional information on the Beverage Container Recycling Market Development and Expansion Grant Program, and click on "grants" in the Quick Hits section. You may download the application and related documents.
In addition to promoting beverage container recycling in California, the Department of Conservation regulates oil, gas and geothermal wells; studies and maps earthquakes and other geologic phenomena; maps and classifies areas containing mineral deposits; ensures reclamation of land used for mining; and administers agricultural and open-space land conservation programs.
