The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is soliciting grant proposals to support the development, implementation or improvement of programs, initiatives or activities designed to increase the diversion of solid waste from disposal. This spring, the DEP awarded the first round of grants totaling $165,481 to fund 6 waste diversion projects across Maine.

These grants are supporting efforts to increase efficiencies, reduce plastic waste at a Northern Maine regional recycling center, increase infrastructure at two Maine-based organics collection and management facilities, develop a food scrap collection program for one Maine municipality, allow a Maine municipality to develop a “tool lending library,” and help a Maine-based health company develop an organics collection and management program for several of its hospital campuses. 

A copy of the RFP, as well as the Question & Answer Summary and all amendments related to this RFP, can be obtained at the following website: https://www.maine.gov/dafs/bbm/procurementservices/vendors/grants.

All interested municipalities, regional associations and Maine businesses are encouraged to apply. The DEP will provide awards for accepted proposals ranging from $1,000 - $40,000 ($125,000 total) as a result of this RFP process and prefers proposals that:

-take advantage of regional economies of scale,
-Specify reuse and repair infrastructure and program development
-increase organics management and recycling infrastructure in underserved areas of the state,
-promote waste reduction through reuse, repair and sharing economy initiatives,
-address a statewide need, and/or
-expand the types of materials managed through composting and recycling.

In addition, in accordance with 38 MRSA §2201-B. Maine Solid Waste Diversion Grant Program, the Department shall give highest priority in the awarding of funds under this section to programs, projects, initiatives, or activities proposed by municipal or regional association applicants.   

Application details on the RFP # 202208135   – “Waste Diversion Grants Program” are available on-line at Request for Proposals, Maine DEP. Questions on the RFP must be submitted by August 29, 2022, and proposals must be submitted electronically by 4:00 p.m. September 14, 2022.

For additional information, contact:

David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner
david.madore@maine.gov

or

Mark King, Organics Management Specialist
mark.a.king@maine.gov