Focus On Land & Waste Division
Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Grants Program


The Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Grants Fund provides grants to assist in financing sound integrated waste management programs and projects. These programs and projects include, but are not limited to:
  • Recycling systems;
  • Market development for recyclable materials;
  • Intermediate processing facilities;
  • Facilities using recyclable materials in new products;
  • Yard waste composting and composting with sewage sludge;
  • Waste reduction and materials exchange;
  • Household hazardous waste programs;
  • Consolidation of solid waste disposal facilities and use of transfer stations; and
  • Incineration for energy recovery.

Also, the Scrap Tire Management Grant Program is administered through the Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Grants Program. Click here for more information about the Scrap Tire Management Grant Program.

Grants are funded through three sources:

I. Business Fee

What it is: A $25.00 fee on all retail businesses in Nebraska with sales of at least $50,000.00 or more. The fee is used for a wide array of integrated solid waste management programs and projects.
Who is eligible: Political subdivisions or other entities or organizations, public, private or non-profit.
Who to Contact: NDEQ’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Program, (402) 471-3457
Deadline: The deadline for the award process is on the Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Grant Application.

Revised Program Priority System for Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Grants

II. Disposal Fee

What it is: A fee of $1.25 per ton fee is assessed for all waste disposed in municipal solid waste landfills. Fifty percent goes to DEQ’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Grants Program.
Who is eligible: Counties, municipalities and agencies
Who to Contact: NDEQ’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Program, (402) 471-3457
Deadline: The deadline for the award process is on the Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Grant Application.

Revised Program Priority System for Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Grants

III. Tire Fee

What it is: A fee of $1 is charged on each new tire sold in Nebraska.
How the fee is used: DEQ’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Grants Program allocates the first $1 million to the Scrap Tire Management Program. The remainder can be used for other Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Grant projects.
Who is eligible: Political subdivisions or other entities or organizations, public, private or non-profit.
Who to Contact: NDEQ’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Program, (402) 471-2480
Deadline: The deadline for the award process is on the Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Grant Application.

Partial Reimbursement For Purchase of Tire-Derived Products And/or Crumb Rubber
Scrap Tire Collection Site Cleanup For Political Subdivisions
Cost-Sharing For Scrap Tire Processing, Manufacturing, and Civil Engineering Uses

Approximately $3.4 million is available annually from these revenue sources.
Related waste grant links:

Litter Reduction and Recycling Grants

Scrap Tire Grants

Landfill Disposal Fee Rebate

Illegal Dumpsite Cleanup Program

Waste Management Publications, Forms and Applications


Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality
Waste Management Division, Planning and Aid Unit
245 Fallbrook Blvd.
PO Box 98922
Lincoln, NE 68509-8922
Phone: 402-471-3388
Toll Free: 877-253-2603