Increased Recycling of Empty Glass Beverage Containers Grant Program, FY 2026-27

Farm and Ranch Solid Waste Cleanup and Abatement Grant Program FR92 is sponsored by Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery. The Farm & Ranch Solid Waste Clean Up & Abatement Grant program provides funding for cleaning up and preventing illegal dumping on agricultural properties (CCR, Section 17991(d)). Each fiscal year has four application cycles, with the fourth serving as the pilot cycle. Cycle 92 (FR92) is the second cycle. CalRecycle administers the program per Section 48100 of the Public Resources Code. The project sites eligible for the grant must be located on 'farm and ranch' property, encompassing both private and public land, where the owner is not held responsible for the illegal disposal. The definition of 'farm and ranch' property can be found in the Eligible Geographies section below. Grantees are given approximately two years to complete the project(s). The sites should be fully remediated (cleaned up) using grant funds, or a combination of grant funds and in-kind contributions in terms of funds or services. The funding covers various costs, including Administrative, Recycling/Disposal (tires), Equipment, Material, and Personnel expenses. If necessary, measures for abatement and prevention, such as site security and public education/outreach efforts, should also be addressed. The program encourages innovative approaches. For further information and requirements, please refer to the Notice of Funds Available FY26-27 webpage, particularly the Application Guidelines and Instructions and Procedures and Requirements resource documents. The application typically includes several items for each project/site, such as Budget, Land Use/Zoning Designation, photos, Property Affidavit, Site Characterization, map, Work Plan, and Resolution. The Resolution is carried out through the governing body of the applicant (additional information is available). It is possible to include multiple projects/sites within a single application.

Tire-Derived Aggregate Grant Program is sponsored by Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery. The Tire-Derived Aggregate (TDA) Grant Program (Program) provides assistance to local governments to solve a variety of engineering challenges, using tire derived aggregate from shredded tires as an alternative to conventional lightweight aggregates in civil engineering projects and assists in diverting waste tires from landfill disposal, prevent illegal tire dumping, and promote markets for recycled-content tire products. Tire-Derived Aggregate (TDA) is made from shredded tires as an alternative to conventional lightweight aggregates that is: Lightweight Free-draining Less expensive Eligible Applicants Include: -All California local government entities, including cities, counties, and cities and counties. -Special districts, including transportation districts. -Joint Powers Authorities in which all JPA members are also eligible applicants. -Public school districts. -All California state agencies, including offices, departments, bureaus, and boards. -University of California, California State University, and California Community Colleges. -Private, for-profit entities. Defined as a business intended to operate at a profit and return a profit to its owner(s). The business must be California-based, or if in another state, must have an operational presence in California: see Application Guidelines and Instructions for complete details and restrictions. -Non-profit organizations, except private elementary or secondary schools, registered with the federal government under section 501(c)(3), (c)(4), (c)(6), or (c)(10) of the Internal Revenue Code. -Qualifying Tribal Entities. A Qualifying Tribal Entity is defined as a tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, residing within the borders of California, which: Is recognized for special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of the status of its members as Indians or: Can prove that it is a government entity and meets the criteria of the grant program. Eligible projects include: Category 1: Mechanically Stabilized TDA for retaining walls. Category 2: Low Impact Development, stormwater mitigation including stormwater infiltration galleries. Category 3: Lightweight film, slope stabilization, embankment fill, landslide repair, and retaining walls. Category 4: Vibration mitigation under rail lines. Category 5: Landfill application, aggregate replacement projects such as leachate and gas collection systems, drainage layers, and leachate injection. How to apply: Funding - CalRecycle Home Page Applications due October 15, 2026.

Illegal Disposal Site Abatement Grant Program is sponsored by Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery. This program provides financial assistance in the form of reimbursement grants up to $500,000 to help public entities accelerate the pace of cleanup, restore sites, and turn today’s problems into tomorrow’s opportunities. Widespread illegal dumping of solid waste adversely impacts Californians in many ways. Properties on which illegal dumping occurs lose economic value; create public health and safety and environmental problems; and degrade the enjoyment and pride in the affected communities. Abandoned, idled, or underutilized properties due to unauthorized dumping impact what were once the sources of economic benefits to a community. Many such properties have been abandoned or have owners who are unable or unwilling to pay the costs of cleanup.

Films and coatings for circular packaging is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Successful proposals will contribute to the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. Projects results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes: Wider availability of bio-based films and coatings for packaging products. Improved technical performances of packaging products compared to fossil based and/or bio-based benchmarks. Improved circularity of packaging products against specified market benchmarks taking into account production, use and EoL. Scope: Many research projects have focused on developing and piloting bio-based coatings and films for application in food and non-food packaging. When targeting packaging, a primary challenge is achieving adequate barrier properties (against oxygen, moisture, grease and volatiles), as bio-based materials are typically more hydrophilic than conventional plastics like PE or PET. Processing methods, including bio-based coating deposition, face scalability and reproducibility issues. Coatings must adhere well to substrates while maintaining technical properties and not hindering sustainable EoL. Printability is another concern, as bio-based surfaces can cause ink issues like smudging or poor adhesion. Durability under stress and operating conditions is still a challenge for certain bio-based applications. Finally, design for sustainability and sustainable EoL are critical to reduce over-packaging, avoid littering and increase circularity, according to the principles set out in the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation . Proposals under this topic should: Demonstrate (at least TRL 6) innovative technologies for obtaining bio-based films and/or coatings suitable for improving performance of packaging products. Both food and non-food packaging are in scope. At least one non-food packaging application should be addressed. While coatings and films must be bio-based, any (bio-based and/or non-bio based) material is in scope as a substrate. Demonstrate (at least TRL 6) the applicability of the developed solution(s) in the manufacturing of packaging product prototypes, ensuring compatibility with industrial packaging manufacturing processes. Assess targeted products properties according to the intended application(s) under conditions occurring during the use phases, including transport and storage. Such properties may include mechanical, barrier, surface properties, resistance to low or high temperatures, weathering, moisture and/or corrosion; compatibility with food contact requirements (when addressing food packaging), printability. Apply the eco-design principles, in line with the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation , to reduce overpackaging and enable/facilitate sustainable at EoL. Test the selected EoL alternatives (at TRL 5 and above). Circular EoL includes mechanical, chemical and/or enzymatic recycling, and composting and their possible combinations. Re-use and remanufacturing are also in scope when compatible with the application and common practices. Landfilling or incineration are out of scope. In addition to the specific requirements applicable for the type of action, as described in section 2.2.3.1 of the CBE JU Annual Work Programme 2026 [1] , proposals under this topic should: As part of the multi-actor approach (MAA), involve end users and engage consumers (when applicable) starting from the early stages to assess market acceptance of the targeted end-products and incorporate insights into product development. Assess the compatibility with the regulatory framework, in particular the Single Use Plastics Directive (SUP) and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), identify opportunities for bio-based products and/or potential bottlenecks and provide recommendations for addressing them. Include a task to apply the SSbD framework, developed by the European Commission for the assessment of targeted bio-based films and coatings. For Programme areas: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, Bio-based Innovation Systems in the EU Bioeconomy, Horizon Europe (HORIZON) Keywords: Applied and industrial chemistry, Composites (including laminates, reinforced plastics, cermets, combined natural and synthetic fibre fabrics filled composites), Materials engineering (biomaterials, metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, etc.), Polymers and plastics, bio-based coatings, bio-based films, circular packaging, eco-design, end of life, food packaging, non-food packaging, recycling, safe and sustainable by design, STEP-Biotech

Bio-based additives as alternatives to unlock and increase recyclability and/or biodegradability is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Successful proposals will contribute to the implementation of the Zero Pollution Action Plan, the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and the Chemical Industry Action Plan. They will provide solutions in line with the objectives of the EU legislation on waste but also the Horizon Europe Mission "Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030" in particular to Objective 2: "Prevent and eliminate pollution of our oceans, Seas and waters” as well as the Horizon Europe Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe”, in particular objectives “Reduce soil pollution and enhance restoration”. Projects results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes: Wider availability of bio-based additives targeting high functional properties, stability and compatibility with polymers/matrices. Contribution to improved circularity of end products in relevant market sectors. Potential replicability into other industrial sectors to widen market opportunity. Reduction or avoidance of environmental impacts related to life cycle of additives and additive-containing materials and/or products. Scope: While additives are often necessary to confer specific properties to materials and/or products, their presence can hinder their circular EoL (including – depending on the application – recycling and/or biodegradation). Risks upon recycling and biodegradation encompass the release into the environment of harmful substances, e.g., release of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), toxic metals, microplastics. Proposals under this topic should: Demonstrate (at least at TRL 6) innovative processes for the synthesis of bio-based SSbD additives that: Enable a circular EoL for materials and/or products that are currently not recyclable and/or not biodegradable, or Improve circularity of materials and/or products, e.g., by requiring resources/energy efficient and safe conditions for recycling or facilitating biodegradation. In the context of this topic, circular EoL includes recycling and/or biodegradation. Justify the choice of the proposed solution(s) in addressing existing bottlenecks in the circular EoL of targeted materials and/or products including where embedded additives play a fundamental role in hindering circularity. Provide alternative solutions that prevent the release of harmful chemicals during the product life cycle (including from products produced from recyclates) of materials and/or products, while enabling the relevant EoL options. Application of the demonstrated bio-based additives could be relevant for bio-based, partly bio-based or non-bio-based end products. Demonstrate (at least at TRL 6) the compatibility and processability of SSbD bio-based additives within the formulation/manufacturing of materials and/or products. Validate the technical performances of materials/products incorporating the novel bio-based additive(s) and proving to fulfil market requirements for selected application sector(s). Target at least two distinct market sectors in cooperation with end-users. If targeting biodegradability of end-products, assess that the additives, as well as the end-product, biodegrade safely in different environments (soil and water) according to existing EU/International standards, methods and protocols. If targeting recyclability as the EoL, test and validate it, including assessing the effect of the additives on the waste management system (encompassing sorting, separation and recycling). Any recycling route is in scope: mechanical, chemical, organic, enzymatic (including their possible combination). In addition to the specific requirements applicable for the type of action, as described in section 2.2.3.1 of the CBE JU Annual Work Programme 2026 [1] , proposals under this topic should: As part of the multi-actor approach (MAA) approach, involve waste management, product manufacturers, brand owners and consumers Programme areas: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, Bio-based Innovation Systems in the EU Bioeconomy, Horizon Europe (HORIZON) Keywords: Applied and industrial chemistry, Bioprocessing technologies (industrial processes relying on biological agents to drive the process) biocatalysis, fermentation, Industrial biotechnology, Polymers and plastics, bio-based additives, bio-based materials, bio-based products, bio-degradation, biotechnology, circularity, recycling, safe and sustainable by design, STEP-Biotech

Understanding biomass flows in Europe is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes: enhanced understanding of the environmental, social and economic potential of the supply of different biomass types (from local to international perspectives), as well as its sustainability implications, including biodiversity and (air, water and soil) pollution, synergies and tensions; enhanced capacity of private and public stakeholders to increase resource efficiency in utilising primary and secondary biomass as well as biomass processing and use, including through digital tools which may involve artificial intelligence and remote sensing, and roadmaps towards sustainable biomass management; without undermining food security; enhanced support to businesses and administrations that optimise biomass supply, processing, and use, such that ecosystems and biodiversity are protected and restored, emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants reduced, and human needs for biomass satisfied in sufficient and fair way. Scope: There is a need to better understand the production and use of biomass, a limited resource, in its various types. Bioeconomy, and biomass as its essential feedstock, provides solutions on various dimensions (environmental, social and economic). However, there are biomass-related challenges to overcome: the EU forest carbon sink is below the target and declining in most countries and the need to restore ecosystems and halt biodiversity loss [1] . This implies that biomass supply is partly unsustainable. Simultaneously, companies see themselves challenged to satisfy the growing demand for biomass in the future. There are solutions to increase the sustainable production, including to reduce pollutants, and adjust the demand: e.g. better valorise unused or under-exploited sustainable biomass and degraded land, apply new breeding techniques and increase resource efficiency through circular design, new business models, consumption, recycling or repair. There is a need to better understand where biomass valorisation can be improved, to ensure local or regional added value increases and to drive innovative and competitive business solutions. For an optimal biomass production and effective use, matching supply and demand in the local or regional context, a better and more robust understanding of actual biomass flows is a fundamental prerequisite. Proposals should address all the following activities: Improve and develop innovative, administration-light biomass monitoring and modelling/assessment methods and digital tools at European level (regional, national, and continental scale) to optimise biomass flows, paying particular attention to areas with untapped (sustainable) biomass resources, in close cooperation with stakeholders. Provide an updated estimate of biomass supply and demand today and projected until 2050 at national and EU level, including associated countries, considering the quality of biomass, their potential use, the sustainability and risks (e.g. spread of pathogens) of supplied biomass, as well as potential non-satisfied (non-)industrial demand due to the limitation of availability of sustainable biomass. The 2050 outlook should be accompanied by scenarios on EU’s future bioresources regarding supply and demand. Test and demonstrate, in cooperation with stakeholders, the feasibility of biomass reporting in test regions of at least 10 countries across Europe with different potential of biomass supply. The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as member of the consortium selected for funding since the monitoring and assessment tools developed may contribute to the EU level assessment of biomass flows of the Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy. Proposals are encouraged to work together with additional relevant initiatives including those of the Circular Biobased Europe Joint Undertaking, the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform, the BIOEAST Initiative; build on results from Programme areas: Horizon Europe (HORIZON), Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, Bio-based Innovation Systems in the EU Bioeconomy Keywords: Bioeconomy, Blue Economy, bio-economies, bio-economy, bioeconomies, bioeconomy, biological, biomass, circular, flows, hub, materials, region, renewable, resource, resources, sustainability, sustainable