In a significant move towards sustainability, the Healey-Driscoll Administration debuted a novel recycling initiative this Earth Month. According to a press release from MassDEP, the Waste Reduction Innovation Grant (WRIG) is slated to act as a financial booster to businesses, non-profits, and institutions pioneering in waste reduction methods in Massachusetts.
Envisioned as part of a broader goal to slash waste by 30 percent come 2030 and touch a staggering 90 percent by 2050, the MassDEP's 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan is laying the groundwork for such initiatives. The WRIG program affords special attention to areas of the waste stream that stand to gain from innovative solutions, providing funding for both burgeoning start-up projects and significant capital investments. "Partnering with the private sector is critical to managing our waste and improving our efforts to reduce waste, reuse and recycle,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper, as per MassDEP.
As highlighted by MassDEP, the selection will extend to up to ten start-up or pilot projects, each standing to receive $50,000 to $100,000. Four projects on the front of innovative capital will be eligible for a heftier investment between $500,000 and $2,000,000. However, while start-up/pilot projects are required a 25 percent grant match, capital investments call for a 50 percent match. This spells an opportunity for initiatives focusing on the recycling of items like furniture, carpet, plastics, and even specific construction materials like asphalt shingles and gypsum wallboard.
Commissioner Bonnie Heiple of MassDEP flagged the importance of addressing landfill methane emissions and highlighted that, "Reducing waste is a critical piece of our strategy to address climate change and improve air quality in our environmental justice communities." Furthermore, the MassDEP circular pointed out the agency's commitment to environmental justice, inclusivity, and a workforce reflective of the Commonwealth's communities.
Detailed information about eligible projects and the application process is available on the Waste Reduction Innovation Grants page.
