The MPCA had approximately $5.3 million available to support recycling market development projects across the state. The MPCA sought proposals that will build lasting capacity to support recycling markets in Minnesota. The goal is to increase recycling feedstock value, increase end market capacity, divert recyclable materials from disposal, and create jobs in Minnesota.
Closed: Applications were due before 4 p.m. on April 25, 2024.
Priority materials for this grant are listed below, but projects using any type of recyclable material will be considered.
- Mixed paper, old corrugated containers (OCC)
- Glass food and beverage containers, window/door glass
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP)
- Plastic film (includes retail bag film, pallet wrap film, ag plastic, and boat wrap)
- Textiles
- Solar panels
- Gypsum/drywall
Questions and answers
Submit questions about this grant to grants.pca@state.mn.us, subject line: “Recycling Market Development Grant 2024 Question” no later than 4 p.m. CST on April 19, 2024.
Individual MPCA employees cannot answer questions about this grant opportunity, and direct contact regarding this RFP with MPCA personnel may result in disqualification.
Informational meeting
The MPCA held a virtual meeting to discuss this grant opportunity, the SWIFT process, and answer questions from participants (44 min.).
Eligibility
Eligible applicants:
- Businesses located in Minnesota or that have a facility located in Minnesota that makes a product from recyclable material
- A new business that will locate a facility in Minnesota and will use recycled material as a feedstock
- Businesses that conduct intermediary processing of recyclable material for use in manufacturing product
- Economic development districts that are financing a project that uses recycled material in its manufacturing process
- Nonprofit organizations
- Colleges, universities, and local governmental units, state agencies
Available funds
Total funds available: $5.3 million. Applicants must match at least 20% of the grant request.
Large projects ($4.8 million)
- Maximum award per project: $850,000
- Minimum award: $200,000
Smaller projects ($500,000)
- Maximum award per project: $190,000
- Minimum award: $50,000 (Applicants asking for less than the minimum grant award will be deemed ineligible.)
How to apply
The request for proposal (RFP) and application materials can only be viewed through the online SWIFT portal. The RFP is termed an “Event” within the SWIFT system.
- Go to the online SWIFT portal.
- Click on "Bidding opportunities".
- Find the event by name (MPCA-Statewide Recycling Market Development Grant) or ID (2000015419).
- Click "View Bid Package" to see the RFP and forms. (There’s no need to log in to see the documents.)
Grant applications are only accepted through the SWIFT portal.
- Register as a bidder in the SWIFT Supplier Portal, (Bidding = "applying")
- Choose "Register for an Account" and then "Register as a Bidder".
If you are already registered in the SWIFT system as a supplier (previously known as a vendor), use your supplier ID. Visit the SWIFT Supplier Portal under “Informational Tips” and “Supplier Portal Help” for more information. For questions about applying through SWIFT, please contact the Vendor Assistance Help Desk at 651-201-8100, option 1.
More information
Recycling market development helps create and maintain demand for recyclables by developing markets for materials and stimulating demand for products made with recycled material.