Organics Infrastructure Grant Program

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Recycling Unit offers the Organics Infrastructure Grant Program, funded through the Renew Michigan Fund, to support organics and food waste infrastructure projects across the state. The program is designed to increase access to food waste diversion infrastructure while fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion; expand collection and processing capacity; increase participation rates in diversion programs; and advance Michigan climate priorities through measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Eligible entities include non-profit organizations, tribal governments, school districts, universities and colleges, local health departments, regional planning agencies, cities, villages, townships, charter townships, counties, municipal solid waste authorities, resource recovery authorities, and private sector businesses located in Michigan. Priority is given to projects demonstrating the largest projected increases in capacity or access, sustainable funding mechanisms, robust ongoing education programs, strong partnerships, leveraged external funding, and benefits to environmental justice or underserved communities.

Eligible grant projects include curbside food waste carts, collection vehicles, drop-off infrastructure, multi-family collection equipment, public space containers, and food waste processing infrastructure. Funding cannot be used for household hazardous waste, electronic waste, scrap tires, one-day collection events, projects required for regulatory compliance, staff salaries, graduate student employment, indirect or overhead costs, in-kind services, travel, permits, fees, licenses, office equipment, or real property acquisition.

Applications must be submitted through the EGLE Organics Infrastructure Grant online application portal. Applicants must complete all required application sections, address all program objectives and tasks, complete the approved budget form detailing state and matching funds, and submit required supporting documentation such as vendor quotes, letters of commitment or support, photographs, and data calculations.