The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is soliciting grant proposals to support the development, implementation or improvement of programs, initiatives or activities designed to increase the diversion of solid waste from disposal.

Last year, the DEP awarded a total of $272,323.07 to fund 14 waste diversion projects across Maine. These grants are supporting efforts to: increase efficiencies, prevent runoff, and upgrade facilities at a regional composting operation; expand a municipal glass recycling program; increase recycling of scrap wood from barn demolitions statewide; establish a year-round composting operation in coastal community; support community composting efforts with backyard compost training and equipment; improve an existing community food scrap collection drop-off point; and improve the efficiency of food scrap collections along in the Midcoast area.

A copy of the RFP, as well as the Question & Answer Summary and all amendments related to this RFP, can be obtained at the following website: www.maine.gov/dafs/bbm/procurementservices/vendors/grants.

All interested municipalities, regional associations, counties and Maine businesses are encouraged to apply. The DEP will award multiple grants of up to $40,000 ($125,000 total), and is seeking proposals that:

-take advantage of regional economies of scale,

-Specify reuse and repair infrastructure and program development

-increase organics management and recycling infrastructure in underserved areas of the state,

-promote waste reduction through reuse, repair and sharing economy initiatives,

-address a statewide need, and/or expand the types of materials managed through composting and recycling.

Application details on the RFP # 202103040 – “Waste Diversion Grants Program” are available on-line at Request for Proposals, Maine DEP. Questions on the RFP must be submitted by March 29, 2021, and proposals must be submitted electronically by 4 p.m., April 19, 2021.