Questions and Answers: Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant Program FY 2023–24

Questions about the Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant Program grant application are accepted in writing only, no later than July 15, 2025. Similar or related questions may be grouped together or reworded for clarity and responded to as one question.

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.

To receive a response, a question must pertain to clarification of the application and 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.

General

Can you provide information regarding the eligibility of a recycling center for this grant program?
The Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant Program Cycle 2 (FY 2023–24 – RIG2) is only eligible to Dealers. A Dealer is defined as a retail establishment in an unserved convenience zone which offers the sale of beverages in beverage containers to consumers that is required to redeem in-store (Option 1) pursuant to Public Resources Code 14578 (a)(1). For additional information, refer to the Eligible Applicants section of the Application Guidelines and Instructions document.
Are there any tools or websites that allow the user to input an address and be informed if the zone is served or unserved?
Yes, use the Convenience Zone Status (ca.gov) webpage to identify the Convenience Zone Number and served/unserved status associated to the Convenience Zone.

Eligibility

Since our county recently got CRV recycling services reinstated with a Pilot Project Recycler, does that mean we are no longer unserved throughout the entire county?
Pilot Project Jurisdictions are typically considered served by the Pilot Project Recycler, but in some cases, there are areas within a jurisdiction that may remain unserved. Verify a dealer locations served/unserved Convenience Zone status by using the Convenience Zone Status (ca.gov) webpage. For additional information, reach out to the CalRecycle’s Convenience Zone Unit at (916) 341-6201 or email at CZExemptions@calrecycle.ca.gov.
Is the RIG2 program specifically targeted toward Dealers operating under Option 1 in unserved convenience zones, with funding designated for Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs)?
Yes, the Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant Program Cycle 2 (FY 2023–24 – RIG2) is only eligible to Dealers intending to satisfy their Option 1 requirement within an unserved convenience zone. Dealers may only apply for reverse vending machine (RVM) projects. For additional information, please refer to the Eligible Applicants and Eligible Projects sections of the Application Guidelines and Instructions document.
Regarding Eligible costs, does Equipment cover things other than RVMs? For example, would equipment like vans and kiosks be covered?
No, Dealers may only apply for reverse vending machine (RVM) projects. An RVM is defined as a stationary reverse vending machine that pays customers for beverage containers placed in the machine at time of deposit. For additional information, refer to the Eligible Costs section in the Procedures and Requirements document.
Is the cost to run power and internet connectivity covered under Installation Costs? Under software, it states “must have direct nexus to equipment” – does that just mean online connectivity or something more specific?
The cost to run power would be considered an eligible instillation cost under the Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant Program Cycle 2 (FY 2023–24 – RIG2). Internet services and/or online connectivity would be considered Operating Expenses, as opposed to Software, and would not be eligible. For additional information, refer to the Eligible Costs section in the Procedures and Requirements document.
Are government agencies or municipalities eligible to apply, either directly or as partners with eligible dealers?
No, the Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant Program Cycle 2 (FY 2023–24 – RIG2) is only eligible to Dealers. Also, only individual applications (i.e. Dealer entities) are eligible to apply for the RIG2 Grant program. For additional information, refer to the Individual Application section of the Application Guidelines and Instructions document.
RIG2 specifies that only Dealers are eligible applicants, but it also lists Nonprofit organizations. Does the phrase “Organizational types within the eligible applicants identified above” mean the nonprofit organization must also be a dealer to qualify?
Yes, nonprofit organizations that are eligible to apply would need to be Dealers. For additional information, refer to the Eligible Applicants section of the Application Guidelines and Instructions document.
If a Dealer located in an unserved zone is awarded RIG2 funding for RVMs, can an RC enter that zone and serve it?
A Dealer satisfying Option 1 has no impact on the status of the convenience zone.

Certification

No questions at this time.

Eligible Projects

Can RVMs purchased using RIG2 Grant funds be used as part of Dealer Cooperative activities?
No, all Dealers that are awarded must submit an affidavit to CalRecycle choosing to redeem in-store (Option I) prior to the issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP) email. For additional information, refer to the Eligibility Criteria and Evaluation Process for the Redemption Innovation Grant Program (Beverage Container Recycling Fund, Fiscal Years 2022–23, 2023–24 and 2024–25).
If an application includes multiple project types, will it be eligible for partial funding if only one of the projects qualifies while another does not?
Only Reverse Vending Machines (RVMS) are eligible under Cycle 2 of the Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant Program (RIG2 – FY 2023-24). If an application includes an ineligible project type, the application may be subject to disqualification or the ineligible components of the project would be removed, if awarded. For additional information, see the Eligibility Criteria and Evaluation Process for the Redemption Innovation Grant Program (Beverage Container Recycling Fund, Fiscal Years 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25).

Funding

Is this a reimbursement grant or are the funds advanced (if awarded) at the beginning of the grant term?
Payments are made to the grantee on a reimbursement basis and only for eligible activities, products, and costs specifically included in the approved Work Plan and approved Budget. To be eligible for reimbursement, costs must be incurred and fully paid (payments must be cleared). All grant-funded costs must be incurred after receiving a Notice to Proceed and before the end of the Grant Term. For additional information, refer to the Procedures and Requirements document.

Application

I am working on the application materials for the Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant Program Cycle 2 (FY 2023–24 – RIG2) application. I do not see a budget template on the GMS portal or CalRecycle website. Is a previously used CalRecycle budget template acceptable for this grant application?
No, a Budget document is not a required document for the Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant Program Cycle 2 (FY 2023–24 – RIG2). Utilize the Budget tab within the Grant Management System (GMS) database to show a breakdown of your proposed project expenses. Select the applicable budget category, enter the proposed dollar amount and include budget detail information. Also, be sure to submit Bids, Quotes, Estimates, and Equipment Details as supporting documentation with your application. The total must equal the Grant Funds Requested amount shown on the Detail tab. For additional information, refer to the Application Guidelines and Instructions document.
When are applications due for the Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant Program (RIG2)?
Applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on ~~August 5, 2025~~ August 19, 2025.