Grant applications for the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) 2026 Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive, Litter Reduction and Recycling, and Scrap Tire programs can be submitted between July 9 and August 20, 2025 (4:00 p.m. CST).

The grant term will be January 1 through December 31, 2026.  Funding decisions are expected to be announced in December 2025.  Available funding is anticipated to be approximately $3 million for Litter grants and $4 million for Waste grants, with a maximum award of $500,000 per application.

Visit DWEE’s website to apply online: http://ecmp.nebraska.gov/DEE-WGS/. Applicants may use the resources listed below for assistance in preparing their applications.

A grant application guidance document to aid grant applicants in the preparation of an application can be found at: http://dee.nebraska.gov/publica.nsf/pages/WAS075.This document also contains information on major updates to the 2026 programs.

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

Informational videos about the Waste and Litter grants can be found at: 
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 – 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, collecting, 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:

• 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, or to discuss a project contact:
Email: ndee.wastegrants@nebraska.gov 
Phone: 402-471-2186
Web site:  https://dwee.nebraska.gov/