Questions about the Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant Program, Cycle 8, New Recycling Center, FY 2023-24 and 2024-25 grant application are accepted in writing only, no later than May 27, 2026. Similar or related questions may be grouped together or reworded for clarity and responded to as one question. In order to receive a response, a question must pertain to clarification of the application and the requirements in the application process. Any questions submitted pertaining to other elements of the grant will not be posted on the official Question and Answer web page. Questions regarding Recycling Center operation requirements and certifications should be directed to the Division of Recycling at (916) 324-8598.
All questions and answers will be posted during the application period and are subject to updates. It is the applicant’s responsibility to check this website for the latest information regarding this grant cycle.
General | Eligibility | Certification | Eligible Projects |Funding | Application
General
- What does NTP mean in the Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant Program, Cycle 8 (RIG8) Program?
NTP stands for Notice to Proceed. This terminology is specific to the Redemption Innovation (RIG) Grant Program and is separate from the certification process/approval from the Division of Recycling. The RIG grant term begins on the date of the NTP email. This email is the formal notification from CalRecycle authorizing the grantee to begin the grant project and incur costs for the RIG project. Expenditures made or costs incurred prior to the NTP date are not eligible for reimbursement.
- Under the grant award conditions, the grantee must pay all outstanding debts due to CalRecycle. Please provide examples of debts due to CalRecycle from certified recycling centers. What other debts are typically due from recycling centers in the current program?
An outstanding debt includes any payment(s) owed to CalRecycle. This may include, but is not limited to, fines, violations, and other penalties. If an entity has received an invoice from CalRecycle for funds owed to CalRecycle, and payment has not been received, that entity must remit payment to CalRecycle within 60 days of an award email, or the award will void.
- The grant period is through April 1, 2028. Does this mean that all grant funds need to be used/invoiced by that date?
Yes, all costs must be incurred, and equipment must be delivered before April 1, 2028. The Redemption Innovation Grant (RIG) Program is a reimbursement program. A grantee will only be reimbursed for authorized expenses incurred during the grant term. Equipment must be purchased and delivered, and installed, if applicable, before the grant term end date.
- If my organization received a previous RIG award, can we apply for RIG8?
Yes, if you are a current recycling center that has previously received grant funding from the Beverage Container Recycling Fund, you may apply. Additionally, applicants with an open RIG grant may require an additional review to ensure the open project is progressing in a manner satisfactory to CalRecycle before another RIG grant may be awarded.
- Do I need to hire a grant writer to apply for the Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant Program?
No, it is not a requirement that you hire a grant writer to apply for the Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant Program. If you choose to hire a consultant, understand what is being submitted on your behalf. Before you sign and submit the application documents, read all the documents and confirm that the information provided accurately represents your project completely. Also, consultant fees are not reimbursable with grant funding.
- Does CalRecycle have a preferred equipment list?
No. CalRecycle does not have, nor will CalRecycle provide, a preferred equipment list.
Eligibility
- Can a legal entity that holds two Recycling Center Certifications submit two separate applications for each Recycling Center?
No, only one application per business entity will be considered. Any and all subsidiaries, divisions, or affiliated businesses are considered part of the primary business entity for the purpose of applying for and receiving a grant award under the program. A business is considered an “affiliated business” if it has at least one owner with a forty (40) percent or greater interest in another applicant’s business. If an applicant submits more than one application, it will be the applicant’s responsibility to decide which application should go forward. If the additional application(s) are not withdrawn, all applications from that applicant will be disqualified.
- Do Recycling Centers in No Zones qualify for New Recycling Center project scopes under RIG?
Yes, all projects must be located within an unserved convenience zone or no convenience zone.
- Are public agencies, such as local governments and counties, eligible to apply?
The eligible applicants for the Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant Program Cycle 8 (RIG8) are existing or new certified Recycling Centers. The existing or new certified Recycling Center must be either a nonprofit organization, a private entity, a for-profit business, local governments, Joint Powers Authority (JPA), public colleges or universities, or qualifying tribal entity. For additional information, refer to the Eligible Applicants section of the Application Guidelines and Instructions document.
Certification
Do applicants need to be certified and operational before the Grant Agreement is executed?
No. After an Applicant is awarded a grant, they will receive a Grant Agreement. The Grant Agreement needs to be signed by the Signature Authority and returned to CalRecycle no later than 60 days after receiving your notice of award. Awardees must be certified and have acquired the necessary permits under their local authority before receiving the Notice to Proceed (NTP). In addition, grantees must be operational within a designated time period, as stipulated in their Grant Agreement.
Eligible Projects
- Does opening a new recycling center that only does weigh-and-pay suffice as an eligible project type?
Yes. A new weigh-and-pay recycling center is eligible for funding.
- Can an individual application include multiple project types under the same application?
No, only the specific project type (New Recycling Center) is eligible under the RIG8 cycle of the Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant Program.
Funding
No questions at this time.
Application
Can the entire award amount be used for the same project type?
Yes, the entire award amount must be used for the specific project type eligible for the RIG8 cycle. Overlap between different project types, typically considered in the Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant Program, is not eligible for this cycle. All project costs must be included in the Budget document submitted with the application.