Pollution Prevention Grant

To reduce employee, community and environmental health risks, the Pollution Prevention Grant offers technical and financial assistance of up to $50,000 or 75% of project costs to help businesses with the following:

Reduce the use of harmful chemicals
Transition to safer, more sustainable chemicals
Install modern, high-efficiency equipment

The Pollution Prevention Grant supports projects to reduce the following target pollutants:

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Perchloroethylene (PERC)
Trichloroethylene (TCE)
Ground level ozone
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
Hazardous air pollutants (HAPs)
Other pollutants as identified by R&E

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Priority is given to businesses owned by people of color and/or those located in communities particularly vulnerable to pollution. Funds are distributed after project completion. For information in other languages, contact programs@recyclingandenergy.org.

Eligibility

Business is located in Ramsey County or Washington County.
Business uses target chemicals or produces target pollutants.
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.

Use of Funds

Proposed projects must:

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

Eligible expenses:

Testing and analysis
Equipment costs
Installation, including materials and labor
Essential staff training on new equipment/processes
Commissioning of new equipment
Decommissioning of old equipment
Other expenses required for project success as approved by R&E

Ineligible expenses:

Staff time/costs
Business indirect/overhead costs
Materials or products not directly necessary for project success

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.

To Apply

Applicants must work with a BizRecycling Recycling Expert to submit an application. The Recycling Expert will conduct an initial site visit of your location. At the site visit, the Recycling Expert will provide customized recommendations for waste management improvements and discuss your project plan. They will help assemble needed documentation and price quotes for the grant application.

Applications are submitted through an online system. Your Recycling Expert will set up your account and provide access to the grant application.

To set up your site assessment email info@bizrecycling.com or call 651-768-6670.

Additional Application Information

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.

We upgraded for the efficiency, for the environment, and for the health of my employees here at the shop.

Grants

Pollution Prevention Grant