MPCA had approximately $1 million for projects that increase the efficiency or effectiveness of waste reduction, reuse, recycling, or composting programs. The agency sought projects that reduce material entering landfills in Greater Minnesota. These projects may benefit the community and environment as well as local economies.
Closed: Applications were due Oct. 13, 2026
Questions and answers
Submit questions to grants.pca@state.mn.us by 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 6, 2026, using the subject line: “Greater Minnesota grant question.” Questions and answers will be posted in the SWIFT Supplier Portal.
MPCA staff are prohibited from discussing this grant with applicants outside of the portal; contacting MPCA employees about the funding may disqualify you.
Informational meeting
The MPCA held a brief information session to discuss this grant opportunity, the application process, and answer questions. (22 min.)
Eligibility
Minnesota counties, cities, townships, and Tribal Nations located outside of the Twin Cities metro area may apply. Cities must have a population of less than 45,000. Applicants asking for less than the minimum grant award ($10,000) will be deemed ineligible.
Available funds
Available funds: Approximately $1 million
- minimum award: $10,000 per project
- maximum award: $250,000 per project
- match: applicants must match at least 25% of the grant request; matching funds may not come from other funding sources administered by the MPCA
Half of the funding ($500,000) will go towards traditional recycling projects, with a preference for those that contribute to meeting Minnesota’s statutory recycling goals (Minn.Stat.115A.551). The remaining $500,000 will fund projects focused on waste reduction, reuse, and composting.
More information
The 2025 Minnesota Legislature allocated funding for waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting grants in Greater MN for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. (Minn. Stat. § 115A.565)
Minnesota’s waste management hierarchy prioritizes waste reduction and reuse over other waste management options. To better align with the waste hierarchy, waste reduction and reuse efforts have been added as grant-eligible projects for this grant program, renamed Greater Minnesota Waste Reduction, Reuse, Recycling and Composting Grants (Greater MN WRRRC grant).
