Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grant Program

Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grant Program is sponsored by Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) (funded by U.S. EPA). This program helps communities in Indiana strengthen how they manage recycled and waste materials, improve local recycling systems, and upgrade waste management infrastructure.

Recycle Indiana: Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Program Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Program Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Program The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has received funding through U.S. EPA's Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grants for States and Territories to develop a State Materials Management Plan in support of the National Recycling Goal and Food Loss and Waste Reduction Goal and to improve post-consumer materials management and infrastructure, support improvements to local post-consumer materials management, and assist local waste management authorities in making improvements to local waste management systems.

What is the State Materials Management Plan? The State Materials Management Plan focused on shifting from a recycling and disposal centered approach to one that reduced the environmental and natural resource impacts of material choices. It emphasized providing convenient and inclusive access not only to recycling, but also to organics management, waste reduction opportunities, and other adequate disposal options.

Materials management activities included pre and postconsumer recyclables, organics, tires, wood, concrete, e-waste, textiles, construction and demolition waste, emerging waste streams, and other materials traditionally incinerated or landfilled.

State Materials Management Plan [PDF] The U.S. EPA SWIFR funding supports IDEM’s efforts to provide passthrough funding to local waste management authorities and local governments, helping strengthen and improve local waste systems through planning, infrastructure development, and education campaigns. For information about IDEM’s SWIFR Program, please review the details below for the current funding round.

The 2027 SWIFR funding round opens on August 3, 2026. All applications must be submitted online by completing the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grant Program application [WEBFORM] . The SWIFR Program Guidelines [PDF] outline detailed eligibility requirements, timelines, and the scoring matrix for each application question.

Reviewing the guidelines before submitting is strongly recommended. For key highlights from the SWIFR Program Guidelines, click on the tabs below. Eligible and Ineligible Funding Cost Solid waste management districts (SWMDs) Nonprofit organizations located in Indiana State agencies are not directly eligible for grants from IDEM.

(State agencies may be partners in projects with a solid waste management district or a local unit of government.)

Applicants who have previously received funding from IDEM’s Recycling Market Development Program or Community Recycling Grant Program must not have: any unresolved compliance issues at the time of application, including overdue grant reports, outstanding closeout documentation, or refunds or reversions owed to the state. more than two open grants under either program when applying.

The following project type is eligible for SWIFR funding: Planning Grant for Developing a Local Materials Management Plan For the full scope and detailed requirements of the Local Materials Management Plan, please refer to page 10 of the state materials management plan. Funding is available for expenses related to the development of local materials management plan.

Eligible planning projects consist of all costs associated with professional fees, data gathering, study, analysis, supplies and preparation of plans and the identification of actions to implement such plans including public outreach and community engagement materials.

The following items’ expenses will not be funded through the 2027 SWIFR Program funding: Ongoing program costs such as salaries, recycling contracts, and vehicle maintenance. Personnel expenses, except where contracted as professional fees. Computer hardware and software.

Contractor labor, set-up, and preparation charges. Food, beverages, and party supplies. Cash payments such as gift cards.

Recycling collection vehicles, such as a curbside recycling truck Applicants are eligible to receive up to $20,000 to support the development of a materials management plan. Local funds are not required but IDEM strongly recommends leveraging additional funds. Proposals must be submitted online through Access.

gov no later than Monday, September 14, 2026. Technical Assistance will be available until 4:00 p. m.

ET on the deadline day. Incomplete proposals or proposals submitted after the deadline will not be considered for funding. The following documents must be included with this application for it to be considered complete.

Copies of quotes for all applicable professional services to be procured for completion of the project. Copy of organization’s most recent financial statement demonstrating fiscal responsibility. Clerk or Financial Officer Letter outlining the match funding or supplementary financial support to be used, if applicable.

Letter of support from the Executive Director confirming commitment to plan implementation and outlining the timeline for future updates.

Clearly labeled, color maps of the project area, including map markers, labels, legends, and other necessary elements identifying key locations and features Detailed Budget Narrative The SWIFR Program evaluates applications based on the responses submitted in the application questionnaire and the completeness of all required documents.

Adherence to all application guidelines, deadlines, and formatting requirements Sustainability of the project without future grant funding Potential to increase waste diversion Applicant’s past performance in grant administration, project management, and environmental compliance, where applicable Alignment with requirements in the Materials Management Plan Guidance Demonstrated financial need Ability of the project to meet its stated goals and serve as a model for similar efforts Positive economic and environmental impacts at the local, regional, or statewide level Overall availability of program funds Confirmation that the project can begin upon grant execution and be completed within 18 months IDEM awards funding on a first‑come, first‑served basis, with priority given to solid waste management districts.

Applications Accepted: August 3rd, 2026- September 14th, 2026, Grant Award Notifications Sent: Applicants will be notified of their application status by December 7 th , 2026. IDEM Award Announcement: December 15th, 2026, Technical Assistance & Program Webinar For questions regarding project eligibility, applicants may contact the SWIFR Grant Manager between 8:00 a. m.

and 4:00 p. m. ET, Monday through Friday, at SWIFR@idem.

IN. gov or (800) 451-6027 . Please note that any informal guidance provided is based solely on the applicant’s description of the proposed project and is not binding.

A program webinar will also be offered, providing information on program requirements and application questions and a Q&A session. Please RSVP to register. Find out about composting Find out about household hazardous waste Dispose of unwanted medicines properly Get Recycle Guys artwork and publications More IN.

gov Online Services Indiana Department of Environmental Management Submit General Questions or Comments Report Environmental Emergencies and Spills (24 Hours a Day/7 Days a Week) File an Environmental Complaint Central Office Phone: (317) 232-8603 Toll Free: (800) 451-6027 (within Indiana) Hours: 8:30 a. m. - 4:00 p.

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