Recycling and Composting Container Grants

See the Grant Containers page for examples of recycling and composting containers that could work well for your program.

The Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD) is accepting grant proposals from businesses and institutions in Chittenden County for funding to assist with the purchase of:

1. public recycling containers to pair with existing public trash containers, and/or
2. compost containers for indoor collection of food residuals.

CSWD plans to fund up to 40% of the cost of new containers. The purpose of this grant program is to increase the diversion of recyclables and compostables from landfills through direct financial assistance to our commercial and institutional members.

Eligibility Criteria

Schools, municipalities, businesses, and non-profit organizations in Chittenden County that provide or plan to provide trash containers for public use and/or that separate or plan to separate food residuals for composting are eligible to apply.

Award Details

Funds may be used to pay up to 40% of the cost of the containers (excluding sales tax, if applicable).

Containers purchased with grant funds must:

1. if for recycling, be colored medium or royal blue with a restricted opening,
2. if for recycling, be constructed from a minimum of 25% post-consumer recycled content (preference will be given for compost containers with post-consumer recycled content),
3. be used only in Chittenden County and for the purpose awarded for at least five years,
4. be purchased and in use by June 30, 2012, and
5. be clearly labeled with a decal that lists all acceptable materials (your own pre-approved by CSWD or one available at no charge from CSWD).

Applicants may request 40% grant funding for any number of containers. Containers may be imprinted or decaled with the name of organization; however, grant funds may not be used toward any additional cost incurred. Grant amounts will be paid upon receipt of a copy of the invoice.  There is a potential for a group purchase of certain containers (which could reduce the price) if there is adequate demand for particular models.  In the case of a group purchase, grant payments will be made directly to the vendor.

Containers purchased with the grant funds are the property and responsibility of the grantee. Terms will be negotiated through a grant agreement. Requests for funds not awarded through the RFGP process will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis until June 1, 2012.

Components of Proposals

Proposals for funding should include the following information:

1. name of organization
2. physical and mailing address(es)
3. contact person name, phone number, and e-mail address
4. number, size(s), and photos (or website address) of containers requested
5. written vendor quote if choosing not to participate in group purchase of containers
6. a description of where and how the containers will be used, who will be responsible for emptying and maintaining them, and where and how the materials collected will be transported
7. description or facsimile of decal/labeling if not using CSWD materials

Limitation of Liability

CSWD assumes no responsibility or liability for costs incurred by parties in preparing or submitting proposals in response to this Request for Grant Proposals (RFGP).

Terms of Acceptance/Rejection

Review of proposals will be based upon how well the applicants meet the requirements and intent of this RFGP. CSWD is the sole authority responsible for the selection of proposals and reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. All proposals received may be held in confidence until grantees are selected by CSWD.

Issuing Office and Point of Contact

This RFGP is issued by the Chittenden Solid Waste District. Proposals should be submitted to and questions concerning this RFGP should be directed to Nancy Plunkett, CSWD, 1021 Redmond Rd., Williston, VT 05495 (802-872-8100 x222, Fax: 802-878-5787, nplunkett[at]cswd.net). Proposals may be submitted via regular mail or shipping service, fax, or e-mail.