Grants

1. Business is located in Ramsey County or Washington County.
2. Business uses target chemicals or produces target pollutants.
3. Business is in substantial compliance with local, state and federal hazardous waste and other environmental regulations as determined by R&E. Businesses that may be brought into compliance by changes made through this program will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Proposed projects must:

1. Reduce or eliminate the presence of targeted pollutants.
2. Meet all city, county, state, regional and national zoning, building and fire codes.
3. Meet other criteria Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy (R&E) determines necessary for project success.
4. Receive final approval from R&E. 

Funding and match requirements:

• Pollution Prevention Grant funds may cover up to 75% of eligible project costs and cannot exceed $50,000 per project.
• Businesses must contribute at least 25% of total project costs from any funding source (out-of-pocket funds, loans, non-Pollution Prevention Grants, financial assistance, etc.). In-kind costs are not eligible to meet the match requirement.
• Funding amounts may be awarded on a sliding scale to incentivize the most preferable adaptations.
• R&E reserves the right to adjust funding levels and match requirements on a case-by-case basis. 

Grant process: 

At no cost to the applicant, Waste Wise (R&E’s grant contractor) will help the applicant identify projects, chemical alternatives, and additional funding sources as well as apply for Pollution Prevention Grant funds and submit post-project documentation.

Upon award:

• Applicant will receive a letter of award from R&E.
• Applicant must sign a contract with Waste Wise within 90 days of receiving a letter of award. Failure to do so will forfeit funds.

Implement project:

• Complete all aspects of the funded project within 12 months of signing the grant contract with Waste Wise. Extensions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

After project completion:

• Work with Waste Wise to submit the following:
  • Before and after photos.
  • All final paid invoices from contractors/vendors highlighting costs covered by grant funds.
  • Lien waiver, a statement issued by a contractor saying they have been paid in full, are satisfied with the compensation received, and are waiving their right to place a lien on the property for work completed/products. Submit a lien waiver for each contractor used.
  • Proof of final inspection for work requiring a permit.
  • Dry cleaners only: photos (if available) and proof of PERC equipment decommissioning from decommissioning company.
  • Fill out a survey to provide feedback on grantee experience.
  • Waste Wise will check in with the grantee about six months after project completion to see how things are going.

Other rules and procedures:

• Grantee is responsible for upfront financing and must be financially capable of awaiting reimbursement until all contract obligations have been fulfilled and R&E confirms the project has been adequately completed. Funds are allocated based on the grant award letter.
• Contractor performing onsite work must have all applicable local and state licenses and must comply with all licensing requirements.
• Project work must comply with all applicable local, state, regional and national zoning, building and fire codes and required permits.
• Before paying a contractor/vendor, grantee is responsible for ensuring products, equipment, installation and other services have been completed satisfactorily. R&E is not responsible for costs of unsatisfactory products, equipment or services.
• Grantees must be willing to have their projects photographed and/or featured in communication pieces.
• By submitting an application, grantee agrees to all terms, rules and procedures in the application.