Purpose
The Community Waste Reduction Grant (CWRG) is a competitive grant program that provides funding for projects that reduce waste and/or increase the diversion of recoverable materials that would otherwise be sent to the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill for disposal. Local governmental or non-profit organizations, including cities, townships, villages, parks, K-12 schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, and faith-based organizations in SWACO's jurisdiction are eligible to apply. Proposed projects should address the unique waste reduction, diversion, recycling, and composting needs of Central Ohio, emphasize partnership building and collaboration, and address opportunities to leverage the waste stream for community benefit.
This grant program is not offered to private-sector businesses. Please visit our Business Recycling Resources webpage to learn more about the resources and programs SWACO can offer your business! The program is designed to provide funding to assist with building sustainable programs, projects, and services that address the unique waste reduction and material diversion needs of central Ohio.
Community Waste Reduction Grant (CWRG)
The 2027 Community Waste Reduction Grant application period is now OPEN!
Applications are due Friday, August 7, 2026.
SWACO provides grant funding for projects in Central Ohio that support waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, food donation and diversion education efforts.
Please read through the Grant Application Information before starting an application. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Kristi Higginbotham, SWACO Grant Programs Administrator, at [email protected] or 614-871-5100 to discuss project ideas, eligibility, timelines and funding requirements.
Grant Eligibility and Funding Information
- Projects must take place within SWACO’s jurisdiction.
- Funding supports new or expanded waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, food donation and diversion education projects.
- Grant awards range from $500 - $50,000 and require a 20% cash match.
- Half-upfront funding is available upon request within the application.
- Purchases made before a grant agreement is executed are not eligible for reimbursement.
- *Awarded projects must be completed by December 31, 2027.
*Recipients must track and document project impacts, including waste reduction and diversion results. A final report detailing project outcomes, challenges and successes is required before final reimbursement is issued.
SWACO staff is available to serve as a resource to:
- Provide advice and technical expertise.
- Help develop projects and services that align with the purpose of the CWRG program.
- Provide recommendations to help ensure proposed activities incorporate best practices to help execute successful projects with maximized outcomes.
- Please visit our Newsletter page to sign up to receive updates on grant opportunities.
Hear from our past SWACO CWRG recipients! Check out our videos below
More than $276,000.00 in grant funding was awarded to 14 local organizations in 2026 including the cities of Bexley, Gahanna, and Groveport, Advanced Technology Education Center, America Community Facelift Corp, Bhutanese Community Of Central Ohio, Boulevard Presbyterian Church, Columbus College of Art & Design, Congregation Agudas Achim, Healthy Worthington Resource Center & Food Pantry, Inc., OhioHealth, Otterbein University, Smart Columbus, and St. Philip Episcopal Church to help implement waste reduction, recycling, composting, and education and outreach projects and initiatives.
More than $256,000.00 in grant funding was awarded to 12 local organizations in 2025 including the cities of Dublin and Groveport. Erase the Space, Franklin County Public Health, Goodwill Columbus, Greater Columbus Convention Center, Grove City United Methodist Church, Leveling the Playing Field, Otterbein University, Village of Lockbourne, The Worthington Partnership, and Worthington Resource Pantry, to help implement waste reduction, recycling, composting, and education and outreach projects and initiatives.
More than $113,000.00 in grant funding was awarded to 5 local organizations in 2024 including the cities of Dublin and Gahanna, Hilliard City Schools, the Economic and Community Development Institute, and Ohio Dominican University to help implement waste reduction, recycling, composting and education and outreach projects and initiatives.
More than $168,000 in grant funding was awarded to ten local organizations in 2023 including the City of Columbus, Columbus College of Art and Design, City of Bexley, Global Water Dances Columbus, Goodwill Industries of Central Ohio. Inc., Impact Community Action, MY Project USA, New Albany Intermediate School, Rescuing Leftover Cuisine, and the Worthington Partnership to help implement waste reduction, recycling, composting, and education and outreach projects and initiatives.
More than $94,000.00 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, composting, and education and outreach projects and initiatives.