For Immediate Release

AUGUSTA, February 25, 2026 — The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is excited to announce the first round of grant submissions aimed at developing, implementing, or enhancing innovative projects, programs, and activities designed to increase the diversion of solid waste from disposal.

The program encourages municipalities, regional associations, and businesses operating in Maine to submit proposals that contribute to sustainable waste management strategies. With a total funding pool of $165,000, grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 will be awarded to initiatives that focus on the following key categories:

• Organic waste diversion education

• Source reduction strategies

• Upcycling and reuse of discarded materials

• Composting and digestion activities

In alignment with Maine’s commitment to sustainability, projects that reference disposal methods, such as landfilling or waste-to-energy incineration, will not be considered. The Department encourages applications that focus on responsible waste practices, specifically through the expansion of composting activities, education and outreach efforts, and the enhancement of recycling infrastructure.

The Department will prioritize proposals that:

• Expand municipal or regional composting activities,
• Increase organics recovery and community recycling efforts (including the establishment of such programs),
• Focus on education and outreach efforts promoting organics management or recycling projects,
• Increase existing composting and recycling infrastructure,
• Promote Maine’s Food Recovery Hierarchy, 38 M.R.S. § 2201-B. Food recovery hierarchy,
• Include acquisition of equipment necessary to support diverting edible food to the food insecure or to preserve edible food stored at food pantries, schools and other institutions,
• Develop pilot programs designed to implement and test the feasibility of composting and recycling programs,
• Increase organics management infrastructure in underserved areas of the state, and
• Take advantage of regional economies of scale.

Furthermore, in accordance with 38 M.R.S. § 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.

A copy of the RFP and all related documents can be obtained through Vendor Self Service (VSS): https://mevss.hostams.com/PRDVSS1X1/AltSelfService 

Proposals must be submitted to the Office of State Procurement Services, via Vendor Self Service (VSS). Proposal submissions must be received no later than 4:00 p.m., local time, on April13, 2026.