MassDEP launches Waste Reduction Innovation grant to back pilots and capital projects

Joanne Lai, an environmental analyst in MassDEP’s commercial waste reduction branch, outlined a new Waste Reduction Innovation grant born from the 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan. The agency plans two tracks: a startup/pilot category and a larger capital investment category.

Lai described the pilot track as "$50,000 to a hundred thousand dollars with a financial match of 25%" and said it is intentionally open‑ended on material types so that startups and pilot projects can demonstrate commercial viability. For larger proposals, the agency will accept Category 2 applications for "500,000 to 2,000,000" with a required minimum 50% applicant match and a targeted list of eligible materials, which Lai listed as textiles, container glass, C&D materials, bulky items and household lithium batteries. She said MassDEP is "anticipating awarding up to $6,000,000 in total," but awards will depend on the volume and quality of applications.

Panelists clarified that "container glass" in the Category 2 list refers to container glass that would otherwise be diverted to solid waste disposal, not material already captured by the state bottle bill. Participants asked how textiles are currently managed; MassDEP presenters said textile recovery varies by operator and the grant aims to strengthen downstream recycling for items that cannot be reused.

Why it matters: the innovation grant is intended to build new supply chains, increase processing capacity for difficult‑to‑manage materials and improve the quality and value of recovered materials. The two‑track structure is designed to support both early‑stage commercialization and larger capital investments.

Next steps: MassDEP expects to post grant guidelines on its website, announce a late‑spring application opening and host outreach through MassDEP work groups and contact lists. Questions submitted after the application opens will be handled through a formal web Q&A process, the agency said.