Community Waste Reduction Grant

“SWACO helped provide an aesthetically pleasing solution to an ongoing challenge we had with our recycling efforts.” said Josh Sarver, Senior Director of Experiences at COSI.


The Community Waste Reduction Grant (CWRG) program is a competitive program that is open to all governmental entities such as parks, cities, townships and villages, schools, other public sectors, and non-profit organizations. Proposed projects and programs should address the unique waste reduction, diversion, and recycling needs of central Ohio; emphasize partnership building and collaboration, and address opportunities to leverage the waste stream for community benefit.  Eligible applicants must be located within SWACO's jurisdiction.  Please click here to view a map of SWACO's jurisdiction.

To sign up to receive notifications regarding our application cycles and/or to share ideas, please click here.

2023 Community Waste Reduction Grant Available NOW!


Applications are now being accepted for projects ocurring in the 2023 calendar year.  Interested applicants are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to email the Grants Administrator to discuss ideas before drafting an application. 

To learn more, please Download the Application today!

More than $94,289.85 in grant funding was awarded to nine local organizations in 2022 including All Saints Episcopal Church New Albany, Bexley City Schools, Columbus Fashion Alliance, City of Gahanna, City of New Albany, City of Reynoldsburg, The Ohio State University, Otterbein University and Plain Township to help implement waste reduction, recycling and composting programs and initiatives.
Watch the Pre-recorded Webinar to Learn More about the 2019 Application Cycle
Watch the Pre-recorded Webinar to Learn More about the 2019 Application Cycle
Watch the Pre-recorded Webinar to Learn More about the 2019 Application Cycle

CWRG Purpose  

                                                                       
The Community Waste Reduction Grant (PDF) is available to support innovative waste reduction and materials diversion programs by providing financial support to help offset the costs of these efforts.  If a project is awarded grant dollars, SWACO requires grantees to document and measure the impact of the project’s activities.  A final report detailing the successes, challenges, and impacts of the project's waste reduction and diversion efforts must be provided in a final report.

CWRG Webinars


Please register for our 2023 CWRG Informational Webinar on June 2, at 11 a.m. Attendees will learn more about SWACO's application process and best management practices for waste reduction and sustainability initiatives.

Other Grant Opportunities

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) Recycling and Litter Prevention program supports communities, nonprofits, businesses, and academic institutions that initiate or expand recycling programs, encourage sustainable practices, stimulate economic growth, and support litter prevention efforts through four different grants.  

  • Available grant opportunities are available for Community and Litter, Academic Institution, Market Development, and Scrap Tire activities.
  • Grants are awarded on an annual basis. Applications open the first Monday in November and close the first Friday in February the following year.

Hear from our past CWRG recipients! Check out our videos below:

Please contact SWACO at 614-871-5100 or email Grants Administrator with questions.