The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) will accept grant applications for its 2025 Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive, Litter Reduction and Recycling, and Scrap Tire programs beginning June 26 until 4 p.m. on Aug. 7, 2024.

The grant term will be Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2025. Grant decisions will be announced in December 2024. Available grant funding is anticipated to be $6 million for Litter grants and $5.5 million for Waste grants with a maximum amount up to $500,000 per application. This is a competitive application process. Applications will be reviewed and scored based on the submitted application.

Visit NDEE’s website to apply online: http://ecmp.nebraska.gov/DEE-WGS/. The agency has multiple resources available to aid applicants in preparing their application, including:

· A grant application guidance document: https://dee.nebraska.gov/forms/publications-grants-forms/was075.

· A technical instruction guide on how to use the Waste and Litter grant application software: https://dee.nebraska.gov/forms/publications-grants-forms/was066.

· Informational videos about the Waste and Litter grants: https://dee.nebraska.gov/forms/publications-grants-forms/24-015.

Eligible grant projects include, but are not limited to:

Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Grants:

· Recycling systems and equipment – equipment used in integrated solid waste programs and projects, such as balers, shredders, densifiers, and trucks/trailers to collect recyclables
· Food and yard waste composting equipment – brush chippers, tub grinders, compost turners, and compost screens
· Household hazardous waste, electronic waste, and pharmaceutical collection events
· School chemical cleanouts
· Market development for recycled materials
· Deconstruction of abandoned buildings owned by the city/county (available to cities of the first class, cities of the second class, villages, and counties of 5,000 or fewer in population)
 

Scrap Tire Grants:

· 50% reimbursement of crumb rubber for rubber modified asphalt, manufacturing, landscaping, or playground mulch
· 25% reimbursement of mats or tiles for playgrounds, poured-in-place playground surfaces, athletic tracks, and artificial turf football, soccer, and baseball fields
· 100% reimbursement of the cost of scrap tire cleanup events (political subdivisions, only)
· 50% reimbursement of capital costs for processing, manufacturing, collection, and transporting scrap tires
· Cost-sharing for civil engineering uses ($20/ton)
 

Litter Reduction and Recycling Grants:

· Public Education – funding to promote recycling and litter reduction awareness through educational activities and programs
· Cleanup – funding for cleanup activities on public spaces and roadways
· Recycling – funding for equipment and operating expenses
 

Illegal Dumpsite Cleanup Program (year-round applications accepted):

· Available year-round to political subdivisions for illegal dumpsites along a road right-of-way. There are no deadlines for applications. The applications are currently received on paper. For more information, visit NDEE’s website: https://dee.nebraska.gov/aid/waste-loans-grants-rebates/illegal-dumpsite-cleanup-program.

For more information, or to discuss a project contact:

Email: ndee.wastegrants@nebraska.gov
Phone: 402-471-2186
Website: https://dee.nebraska.gov