Solid Waste Recycling Enhancement Act (REA) Higher Education Research Grant Program

THIS GRANT CLOSED MARCH 31, 2025. WE ANTICIPATE THE NEXT ROUND WILL BE ANNOUNCED EARLY 2026.

PURPOSE OF FUNDING
To fund projects that support the objectives of the Recycling Enhancement Act. Proposals may be designed to enhance existing resources, tools or methodologies, or create new resources pursuant to the Recycling Enhancement Act.

APPLICATION
REA Research Grant NoFA FY2024

APPLICATION CONTACT
Riley Kirejevas
riley.kirejevas@dep.nj.gov

APPLICATION DEADLINE
TBD

NOTIFICATION DATE
June 30, 2025

SOURCE OF FUNDING
State Recycling Fund    

STATUTORY CITATION
Recycling Enhancement Act N.J.S.A. 13:1E-96b(5)

WHO IS ELIGIBLE
New Jersey institutions of higher education, may be implemented in conjunction with, or subcontracted or partnered to/with, other entities identified in the application as permitted by law .

This funding opportunity is available for projects that support the objectives of the REA. Grants may be awarded under the following criteria:  Recycling demonstration, research, or education, including professional training areas.  

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR CONSIDERATION
Grants awarded to successful applicants may cover personnel (salaries/fringe benefits), other direct costs (e.g. supplies, printing, mailings, mileage, contractual) and indirect costs. Indirect, fringe benefits or administrative costs should be estimated using an approved negotiated cost agreement. Entities that do not have such an agreement can elect to charge a rate of 10% of modified total direct costs, if available. Please attach a copy of the negotiated cost agreement (if any) to the application submission.  

GRANT/LOAN LIMITATIONS
Approximately $1M of grant funding has been allocated to this opportunity. Awardees and grant amounts will be selected based on the proposal, selection criteria and funds available to the Department as identified herein. The Department reserves the right to only award a portion of allocated funds or apportion funds among the project areas at the Department’s discretion.  

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Please find a copy of the NOFA including application instructions here: REA Research Grant NoFA FY2024. An electronic copy of the application is required.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Preference in award is given to proposed projects in which an applicant will partner with a qualified entity that possesses specific expertise and enhances the proposed project.

The Department will show preference in award for proposals that will yield information that will drive practical application, regulatory decisions, programs, and processes, while considering the cost of the proposed project.  

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Riley Kirejevas
riley.kirejevas@dep.nj.gov
NJ Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Sustainable Waste Management
Bureau of Planning and Licensing
PO Box 420 Mail Code 401-02C
Trenton, NJ 08625-0420