The application period for MassDEP’s Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP) Municipal Grant Program opened today. The SMRP is designed to increase the diversion of materials from the solid waste stream through waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting programs and to decrease the toxicity of the waste treat through household hazardous waste diversion and use of environmentally preferred products.

Municipalities and regional government entities (e.g. regional planning authorities, regional solid waste districts, and regional recycling cooperatives) are eligible to apply. Grant applications are due by 11:59 PM on June 1, 2026. The following six SMRP grant categories are being offered in the 2026 cycle, with more information on the categories available on MassDEP’s website: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-sustainable-materials-recovery-program-smrp-municipal-grant.

• Drop-off Recycling Equipment
• Food Waste Collection Carts
• Pay-As-You-Throw Program Funds
• Recycling Dividends Program
• Regional Small-Scale Initiatives
• Waste Reduction/Organics Capacity/Permanent Hazardous Household Waste Facility Project Proposals

A virtual information session for interested applications will be held on April 2, 2026 and questions from interested applicants must be submitted to MassDEP by May 1, 2026:

• Applicants can register for the information session here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/9VolrqE6RsOeIMShCZ9F1w#/registration.  

Applicant questions should be submitted here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Fh2GPrdIDkqYBowE2Bt7KhMNn3Cxm89LhyiVrkttmXxUODVMMVQ5WkJTTTdWQTRWMDRVUUhETU0xMS4u&route=shorturl