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The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) has announced their intention to launch the Organics Grant Program in January 2023, with nearly $155 million available for this cycle. The Organics Grant Program provides funds to support expansion of the waste management infrastructure, particularly for new or expanded organics infrastructure such as composting and digestion facilities, to achieve greenhouse gas reductions. These investments will result in reduced methane emissions from landfills; benefit priority populations by upgrading existing facilities and, where warranted, establish new facilities; result in air and water quality benefits in addition to greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions; and create jobs.

What is the program’s purpose?

The purpose of this competitive grant program is to lower overall greenhouse gas emissions by expanding existing capacity or establishing new facilities in California to reduce the amount of California-generated green materials, food materials, and/or Alternative Daily Cover being sent to landfills.

What are the anticipated funding amounts and duration?

Awards are based on project type:

• Anaerobic Digestion/Co-Digestion Projects and Composting Projects
  • Up to $10,000,000
• Anaerobic Digestion/Co-Digestion Projects or Composting Projects with Pre-Processing Projects
  • Up to $13,000,000
• Stand-Alone Pre-Processing Projects
  • Award amount $500,000 – $3,000,000
• In-Vessel Composting Projects
  • Award amount $250,000 – $500,000

Projects should begin September 2023 and be completed by April 1, 2026.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Local governments
• Private, for-profit entities
• State agencies
• UC, CSU, and CA Community College campuses
• Nonprofit organizations (except private schools)
• Qualifying Native American Tribes

Eligible projects include:

• Construction, renovation, or expansion of facilities to increase in-state infrastructure for the composting or digestion of organics into compost, soil amendments, fertilizers, biofuels, or bioenergy.
• Construction, renovation, or expansion of facilities to increase in-state infrastructure for the pre-processing of organics.

When is the application deadline?

The tentative deadline for applications is March 2023. The application, related instructions, and documents will be posted in January 2023 on their website.

Morrison has extensive experience writing successful applications for clients for CalRecycle programs. For more information on this grant or how to apply with Morrison’s assistance, please contact the Morrison Grants Team by email at grants@morrisonco.net or call us at 530-893-4764.