2026 Solid Waste Grant Program

The Solid Waste Reduction Grant is administered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) through its Bureau of Waste Management. The program seeks to support counties, municipalities, universities, colleges, solid waste management regions, and certain private entities within Kansas in efforts to reduce solid waste through innovative, educational, and infrastructure-based initiatives. This grant program aligns with the state’s broader environmental and sustainability goals, including enhancing recycling practices and advancing public education around waste management, under the statewide “Keep It Clean Kansas” campaign. The grant supports a wide range of eligible project types. These include waste reduction, reuse, and recycling initiatives; acquisition of necessary equipment for recycling operations; and composting programs that target food and yard waste, including tree and brush mulching. The grant also supports innovative technologies that convert Kansas’ recyclable materials into new products, packaging minimization, and programs that refurbish or resell marketable goods. Educational programs are also eligible, such as environmental fairs, teacher training workshops, and public outreach campaigns that inform the public on solid waste solutions. To be eligible, applicants must be Kansas-based counties, municipalities, solid waste management regions, or institutions of higher education. Private entities may apply only if recognized by the local planning authority as providing essential services under the solid waste management plan. All applicants must be in good standing with the state, comply with required permits, and must not have misused past grant funds. Previous grantees must have closed prior projects or submitted status reports. For non-governmental recipients, a signed security agreement must be filed with the Kansas Secretary of State for any single purchase exceeding $2,000. Grant awards provide up to 75% of total project costs, with a mandatory match of at least 25%. Of that match, a minimum of 50% must be in cash contributions; in-kind support such as staff time, volunteer hours (valued at $12/hour), and related travel are eligible for match purposes. Grant funds can be used for capital equipment over $2,000, supplies, salaries, and shipping expenses related to the project. However, general operations, grant writing costs, and unrelated travel or expenses are not eligible. The reimbursement process includes a 25% advance upon award and reimbursement for the remaining funds upon submission of proper documentation including receipts, reports, and proof of insurance. The application cycle begins March 15, with all applications and supporting documents due by May 15. If the planning committee review form is not included in the application, it must be submitted by June 1. Applications are evaluated in June, award announcements follow in July, and contracts begin on August 1. At that time, the first 25% of funding is distributed. The grant performance period lasts 12 months, ending in June of the following year. Final reports, photos, and expenditure documentation must be submitted by August 31 to receive final payment. Applicants are expected to prominently display KDHE-provided signage at project sites and acknowledge the funding source in promotional materials. Equipment insurance is required and must be verified before final payment. Additionally, any facility requiring a permit must demonstrate intent to complete the permitting process. The KDHE encourages thorough and timely submissions and warns that incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Extensions for the grant period may be requested, though they are not guaranteed.

Ensure timely submission of a fully complete application including planning committee approval and required documentation. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.