For Immediate Release

AUGUSTA, January 2, 2025 — Grant submissions are being accepted by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to help develop, implement, or enhance projects, programs, or activities aimed at increasing the diversion of organic waste from disposal. Eligible projects may include but are not limited to the following categories: organic waste diversion education, source reduction, upcycling of discarded materials, donations of food or other materials, composting and digestion. Projects that make any mention of disposal methods (such as landfilling or waste to energy incineration) are strongly discouraged and will not be considered.

All interested municipalities, regional associations and Maine businesses are encouraged to apply.  At the end of this RFP process, the Department will provide awards for selected proposals ranging from $1,000 - $60,000 ($240,000 total). The Department will give preference to proposals that:

• promote Maine’s Food Recovery Hierarchy, 38 MRSA §2201-B. Food recovery hierarchy,
• increase organics management infrastructure in underserved areas of the state,
• take advantage of regional economies of scale, and/or
• expand food rescue, recovery and organics management efforts through focused educational programs.

Furthermore, 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 # 202412217 – “Waste Diversion Grants Program” are available on-line at Request for Proposals, Maine DEP. Written questions on the RFP must be submitted by January 11, 2025 (using the form included in the RFP), and proposals must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. on January 31, 2025.

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.

"Introduction to Maine’s Waste Diversion Grant Program: Online Meeting" is a video presentation created by the Department to assist applicants with the application process, and can be viewed on DEP’s website at https://www.maine.gov/dep/sustainability/compost/grant.html. The video addresses common questions about the Waste Diversion Grant application procedure, as well as potential problems and other considerations.