Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant

The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) is offering the Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant to fund start‑up costs for innovative mobile recycling programs, reverse‑vending machines, bag‑drop sites, or to expand existing certified recycling centers with mobile outreach. Eligible applicants include businesses, nonprofits, public agencies, tribal governments, and other legal entities that are authorized to operate in California. Each award may fund up to $500,000 per site, with total grant funding of $20 million available. Applications are due 5 January 2027, and award announcements are expected 19 January 2027. The grant period runs until 1 April 2028. • Eligible for businesses, nonprofits, public agencies, tribal governments, and other legal entities. • Must be a certified recycling center (or plan to become one) operating in California as of 1 Nov 2026. • Funding limited to mobile recycling, reverse‑vending machines, or bag‑drop programs (max 50% per program type). • Maximum $500,000 per site; total award range $500,000–$1,000,000. • No matching funds or letter of intent required; funds provided as advances and reimbursements. • Application via CalRecycle online portal; grant guidelines must be reviewed.