Composting Consortium Grant Program

Details

Learn more about the projects we are looking to support, as well as funding and timeline restrictions.

• Who can apply?

  Composters, communities and nonprofits in the U.S. who are working on projects to increase food-contact compostable packaging recovery are eligible to apply for a grant. All projects must be completed by March 1, 2026. Preference will be given to projects that can begin before October 1, 2025. Click “Show More” for further details on eligibility.

  • Companies and organizations who are willing to collaborate and share project details and results with the Composting Consortium and in public communications

  • Composters who accept food scraps and yard waste, but do not currently accept certified, food-contact compostable packaging  

  • Composters who currently accept limited forms of compostable packaging (e.g., only paper/fiber or only food scrap bags) but wish to expand the materials they accept to other types of certified food-contact compostables.

  • Communities (towns, cities, counties, etc.) who wish to establish or expand food scraps pilot programs (drop-off or curbside) that include food-contact, certified compostable packaging

  • Non-profit organizations directly involved in establishing or expanding composting and food scraps collection that includes food-contact, certified compostable packaging.
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• What kind of composter projects are we looking to support?

  We are open to any projects that increase the recovery of food-contact, certified compostable packaging. Below are some examples of the types of projects we are looking to support, and how grant funding might be used. This list is non-exhaustive and non-exclusive. Collaborative projects between composters, haulers and municipalities are encouraged!

  • Education and Outreach: Collection bin signage and labels, educational flyers, or other marketing materials and communication efforts that promote the change to now include certified compostable packaging at local compost facilities. 

  • Trials & Testing: Field tests of compostable packaging at composting sites with the intention of changing acceptance policies to include certified compostable packaging. 

  • Operational Updates: Changes to business and facility operations that allow compost operators and haulers to now successfully recover and process compostable packaging (i.e., process changes and training). 

  • Equipment & Machinery: Offset the cost of equipment that facilitates the recovery of compostable products at a new or expanded facility, such as size reduction (grinding, shredding), or contaminant removal (screens, picking lines). 

  Note on In-Kind Assistance to Grantees: The Composting Consortium is prepared to offer limited technical assistance to composter grant recipients, including assessments of composting process and “recipes,” equipment selection, assistance related to the marketing of finished compost, engagement with community organics recycling programs or haulers, engagement with haulers and/or secondary sortation facilities, and other possible technical issues. 

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• What kind of municipal projects are we looking to support?

  Municipal projects will fall into one of three tiers. Funding can be deployed in different ways depending on which tier your project falls into. Click “Show More” for the details.

  • Establishing new programs (e.g., starting a food waste collection pilot program that includes certified compostable packaging). Example projects include establishing a food waste drop-off program in your community that allows compostable packaging or rolling out a food waste collection pilot program in your community that allows compostable packaging. 

  • Expanding current programs (e.g., onboarding more households into an existing program that includes certified compostable packaging). Example projects include expanding the number of households or neighborhoods that participate in your food waste collection program, ensuring certified compostable products are allowed in the program, or diversifying the types of participants (e.g., multi-family complexes, single-family residences, commercial businesses, etc.) who are serviced by your collection program, ensuring certified compostable products are allowed in the program. 

  • Updating current programs (e.g., changing material acceptance policies to include certified compostable packaging). Example projects include updating bin labels or marketing materials to reduce contamination and promote the new inclusion of certified compostable packaging in your collections program or harmonizing material acceptance policies across multiple towns in one region to promote greater acceptance of compostable packaging in that region. Funding can be used to communicate these changes to your participants. 

  Note to Community Grantees: Community grants are a joint effort between the Composting Consortium and Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). As such, community grants will be determined based on selection criteria that are aligned to the mission and vision of both organizations. 

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• What kind of expenses are ineligible for grant support?

  Grant funds of any kind may not be used for any costs associated, indirectly or directly, with:

  • Lobbying or any activities associated with lobbying. 

  • Awards, gifts, incentives, or promotional merchandise. 

  • Staff costs, land or building purchases, or for any other purposes not related to the collection and processing of certified, food-contact compostable packaging. 
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• When are applications due?

  All applications are due by 11:59pm PST on Friday, June 13, 2025.  

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• What is the funding and payment schedule?

  The maximum amount per grant is $50,000. 50% of the grant will be awarded up front, and 50% will be awarded upon project completion, with some exceptions.

  For projects that require a one-time payment (e.g., invoice for new equipment) a single payment will be made to reimburse the grantee for a purchase. All municipal/community funding will be deployed by November 1, 2025.

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• What are the terms of agreement for the grant?

  Grant recipients will be required to sign a Grant Agreement detailing the project plan and commitment. The agreement must be signed and returned within 30 days of receiving the award notification.

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• What if my question is not answered here?

  Please reach out to [email protected] for more information.

  Have your additional questions answered during a live online Q&A session on May 21st at 1:00pm ET, with the Composting Consortium team.

  Register for the virtual session below by May 16.

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