Questions and Answers: Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program (FY 2020–21 and 2021–22)

Questions about the Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program grant application are accepted in writing only, no later than October 22, 2020. 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.

General | Eligibility | Funding | Application

General

  1. Within the Grant Term Section of the Application Guidelines and Instructions, what is the difference between the RBC32 FY 202021 and RBC33 FY 2021–22?
    The Grant Term begins on the date of the Notice to Proceed, which is issued after the grant cycle is awarded and the grant agreement has been executed. The FY 2021–22 grant agreement cannot be issued until after the FY 2021–22 state budget has been passed. The Grant Term ends on June 30, 2023 (RBC 32 FY 2020–21) or June 28, 2024 (RBC 33 FY 2021–22) and all eligible program costs must be incurred by this date. Refer to the Grant Term section in the Application Guidelines and Instructions
  2. What is the difference between the Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program and the City/County Payment Program?
    The Grant Program provides opportunities to California local government agencies, cities, counties, regional programs, public colleges and universities, public school districts, non-profit organizations, and qualifying Indian Tribes to promote increased recycling of beverage containers throughout California and reduce the beverage container litter in the waste stream. The Grant Program is a competitive process in which applications are evaluated and scored by a CalRecycle review panel based on the approved Scoring Criteria for the Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program, FYs 2020–21 and 2021–22. Refer to the Beverage Container Recycling Grants homepage and Application Guidelines and Instructions The City/County Payment Program is an entitlement program providing funding for eligible cities and counties specifically for beverage container recycling and litter cleanup activities. For more information regarding the City/County Payment Program, please refer to the Beverage Container Recycling City/County Payment Program Homepage
  3. How do I identify if my community is in a Disadvantaged Community?
    Use the California Communities Environmental Health Screening Tool (CalEnviroScreen 3.0) to identify the disadvantaged community your project would benefit.
  4. Does the Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program support more creative solutions for notifying the public of CRV recycling?
    Yes. The Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program does support more creative solutions directly related to CRV recycling such as collection events, drop-off, education and outreach, etc. For more information please email BevContainerGrants@CalRecycle.ca.gov
  5. Will this new grant opportunity eliminate recycling education related to commingled recycling systems limitations to ensure jurisdictions have access to adequate funds to provide for recycling receptacles in commingled systems?
    CalRecycle will only fund the proportionate cost directly related to CRV.
  6. We are a K–12 school district who would like to apply for the Beverage Container Recycling grant to participate in the “Purchase of water refill stations, including the installation, education and outreach, or replacement of infrastructure, plumbing, maintenance, additional attachments or modifications.” We already have single stream recycling through our waste company and would like to purchase additional stand-alone water bottle refill stations. We are in a disadvantaged community and would like more detail regarding the scoring criteria. What are the scoring criteria for a Disadvantaged Community?
    The Beverage Container Recycling Grants are available to public K–12 school districts, and water refill stations are eligible for grant funding. Bonus points will be given to applicants in Disadvantaged Communities for Beverage Container Recycling projects that provide a direct, meaningful, and assured benefit to a Disadvantaged Community. For additional information related to the overall Scoring Criteria and specific information related to Disadvantaged Communities refer to Page 3 of the Scoring Criteria.
  7. Does the Beverage Container Recycling Grant pertain only to California Refund Value beverage containers – aluminum, glass, plastic, and bi-metal?
    Yes. Funding for the Beverage Container Recycling Grant must have a direct connection to the California Redemption Value (CRV) of beverage containers and the overall program. If non-CRV items are included in the grant, they are subject to proportional cost. For example: a three bin system with composting, paper, and CRV recycling, can only be funded at one third the cost. A mixed recycling bin will be funded proportionately based on the CRV content of materials collected.
  8. Why are non-profit private K–12 schools registered with the federal government under 501(c)3, (c)6, or (c)10 of the Internal Revenue Code not eligible for the Beverage Container Recycling Grant? This grant would help us teach our students about the importance of recycling?
    CalRecycle does not allow funding for non-profit private K-12 schools. Refer to the Eligible Applicants Section on Pages 5 and 6 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions.
  9. Can a jurisdiction utilize funds from the City/County Payment Program to cover the eligible costs that are not covered by the Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program?
    Yes. City/County Payment Program funds may be utilized to cover eligible expenditures only if the same expense is not invoiced under both Programs. Funding for the Beverage Container Recycling Grant must have a direct connection to the California Redemption Value (CRV) of beverage containers and the overall program.

Eligibility

  1. Are Permanent Recycling Centers and CRV drop off locations eligible under this grant?
    Private, for profit businesses and individuals are not eligible to apply for the Grant Program. Refer to the Eligible Applicants section in the Application Guidelines and Instructions
  2. We’re a manufacturer of recycling and waste containers, and we would like to know if any company in California can apply for the Beverage Container Recycling Grant? Are there parameters or guidelines to who can apply? Please provide any information on organizations that qualify for a Beverage Container Recycling Grant.
    Private businesses and individuals are not eligible to apply for the Beverage Container Recycling Grant. However, private businesses and individuals may collaborate with any eligible applicant, as identified in the Application Guidelines and Instructions
    Only the CRV Beverage Container Recycling component of a Zero Waste Program is an eligible expense.
  3. Are Zero Waste Programs an eligible expense?
    Only the CRV Beverage Container Recycling component of a Zero Waste Program is an eligible expense.
  4. Are mixed recycling bins an eligible expense?
    Only the CRV beverage container recycling component is an eligible expense. A proportionate cost will be applied to mixed recycling bins.
  5. Is bin signage an eligible expense?
    Yes, bin signage is an eligible expense. A proportionate cost must be applied if the signage/bin is not 100% CRV beverage container material.
  6. Are cluster bins an eligible expense?
    Combination cluster bins that are attached and collect both CRV and landfill materials are 100% eligible.
    Cluster bins that combine CRV with any other type of collection is subject to a proportionate cost rate (i.e., Composting, Landfill, and CRV would be funded at a two thirds proportionate rate).
  7. Are Operators eligible to collect for CRV Collection Programs?
    Proposed programs to collect CRV beverage container recycling may need to be certified by CalRecycle to operate. Please see our Beverage Container Recycling Programs Defined web page for specific requirements.
  8. What type of expenditures are eligible and ineligible under the Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program?
    Purchase of equipment related to beverage container recycling is an eligible cost. For detailed information, refer to Eligible and Ineligible costs sections of the Procedures and Requirements of your cycle.
  9. Currently the City/County Payment Program significantly limits education related to commingled recycling systems (i.e. they will only cover a percentage recycled for CRV).
    Correct. City/County Payment Program will support recycling education to commingled recycling systems and support a proportionate cost for CRV related component.
  10. Does this grant support the expansion/relocation of CRV buyback collection facilities and/or kiosks, which have significantly decreased in recent years?
    No. Start-up costs are not eligible for Recycling Centers.
  11. I have contacted CalRecycle about Reverse Vending Machines (RVM) and received helpful information. I am in the process of designing and building a business plan to operate RVMs. To proceed further I would need a CalRecycle permit to be identified as a recycling business. Currently, classes are closed due to COVID-19. Is it possible to acquire a permit or will the permits be on hold until COVID-19 decreases?
    For guidance related to permit certification, refer to the Certification Unit with the Division of Recycling.
  12. The Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program indicates it is only open to public programs or non-profits. Are there any other recycling or Green grants that are open for private businesses to apply? Are private businesses eligible to apply for the Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program?
    Private businesses and individuals are not eligible to apply for the Beverage Container Recycling Grant. Refer to Eligible Applicants on Pages 5 and 6 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions. For more information on grants offered by CalRecycle, refer to the CalRecycle’s Grants website.
  13. Why are commercial projects ineligible for the Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program?
    Commercial projects are typically managed by private entities and are therefore ineligible for the Program. A collaborative effort to implement a beverage container recycling project between a local jurisdiction and multi-family residential dwellings (five units or more) is an eligible project. Refer to Eligible Projects/Products Section on Page 7 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions.
  14. During the September monthly meeting, the grants were announced. The CalRecycle representative stated that the purchase, installation, and maintenance of water refill stations now qualify for the grant. Does the purchase and installation of the units have to be within the timeframe of the agreement? What if there is a site that is going through construction and we would like to install the unit once the construction is completed? Does maintenance refer to units that are already installed and need maintenance, or is the money set aside for future maintenance?
    Purchase of water refill stations, including the installation, education and outreach, or replacement of infrastructure, plumbing, maintenance, additional attachments or modifications will need to be within the grant term. Maintenance may include component parts or maintenance agreement(s). Refer to the Eligible Projects/Products Section on Page 7 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions.
  15. We are interested in finding any funding that would allow a scaled-down initiative that provides Reverse Vending Machines at one to three Safeway stores. This could provide the necessary usage metrics to secure funding from other sources – PepsiCo or VC – to scale up to our original plan. Are there grant funds available from CalRecycle that may provide the necessary funding for a Reverse Vending Machine study?The Beverage Container Recycling Grant is an infrastructure grant that promotes increased recycling of beverage containers throughout California and reduces beverage container litter in the waste stream. The grant funds are not intended to be utilized for a research study, and a research study will be considered ineligible. Additional information related to various CalRecycle grants can be found on the CalRecycle’s Grants website.
  16. The city purchases automated carts for new homes and replaces damaged, lost, or stolen blue recycling carts for existing customers. Currently, there are approximately 65,000 households in the city. The Solid Waste Division purchases and/or replaces approximately 7,632 blue recycling bins per fiscal year (July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020). Would the city be able to utilize the beverage container recycling grant funds to purchase the blue recycling bins?
    If blue recycling bins are utilized for mixed materials it will be funded proportionately based on the CRV materials collected. However, if the blue recycling bins are utilized for the collection of CRV materials only, it will be funded at 100 percent. Refer to the Eligible Costs Section on Pages 7 and 8 of the Procedures and Requirements.
  17. Can a jurisdiction use the Beverage Container Recycling Grant funds to purchase new recycling carts for residents?
    Jurisdictions can utilize grant funds to purchase beverage container recycling carts for residents. If beverage container recycling carts are utilized for mixed materials, it will be funded proportionately based on the CRV materials collected. However, if the beverage container recycling carts are utilized for the collection of CRV materials only, it will be funded at 100 percent. Refer to the Eligible Costs Section on Pages 7 and 8 of the Procedures and Requirements.
  18. Can grant funds be used to purchase water refill stations for a jurisdiction?
    Purchase of water refill stations, including the installation, education and outreach, or replacement of infrastructure, plumbing, maintenance, additional attachments or modifications, is an eligible cost. Refer to the Eligible Costs Section on Page 7 of the Procedures and Requirements.
  19. Will a proportional cost methodology apply to dual bin collection systems consisting of landfill and beverage container recycling?
    No. Dual bin collection systems that are permanently attached together to include landfill and California Redemption Value (CRV) beverage containers are 100 percent eligible.
  20. How is a proportionate cost/rate methodology determined prior to purchasing mixed recycling bins? Will the grantee be required to return grant funds to CalRecycle if it is determined that less California Redemption Value (CRV) is collected than what was anticipated?
    A proportionate cost/rate methodology may be determined by the grantee by conducting a waste characterization audit. The audit may identify the tonnage of CRV beverage containers being collected and assist in determining the number of mixed recycling bins that are required for the grant project. Refer to Eligible Costs Section on Pages 7 and 8 of the Procedures and Requirements.No, grant funds will not be returned to CalRecycle. Payments to a grantee for eligible grant expenditures are made on a reimbursement basis only and for those materials and services specified in the approved grant application. Refer to Grant Payment Information Section on Pages 12 and 13 of the Procedures and Requirements.
  21. Does the color requirement of bins under Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) apply to the collection of dual bins (landfill/CRV) purchased with the Beverage Container Recycling Grant funds that are permanently placed in a downtown area of a city?
    Currently, the draft regulations related to SB 1383 have not been adopted. However, if adopted, the beverage container recycling bins are eligible if purchased prior to January 2022. If purchased after January 2022, the bins would be ineligible.
  22. Our City would like to install 10 to 20 BigBelly Kiosks to promote beverage container recycling. Are dual BigBelly Kiosks an eligible expense?
    Yes. The dual BigBelly Kiosks that are permanently attached together to include landfill and California Redemption Value (CRV) beverage containers are 100% eligible.

Funding

  1. Are there any grants available for startup costs for a Recycling Center Business or nonprofit collection/drop-off program in a convenience zone?
    No. Costs for establishing a recycling center are not eligible for reimbursement under the current grant program. However, grant funds may be utilized for infrastructure such as, beverage container recycling bins, beverage container recycling education and outreach, and personnel costs in the existing recycling center. Refer to the Eligible and Ineligible Costs sections in the Procedures and Requirements of your cycle.
  2. What kind of funds are available?
    Refer to Available Funds section in the Application Guidelines and Instructions. Both cycles will be awarded using information submitted in the RBC 32 application. RBC 32 (FY 2020–21) will be awarded in May of 2021 and RBC 33 (FY 2021–22) will be awarded in July of 2021. Only one submitted application will be used to consider funding for the combined grant cycles. The allocation is $1,500,000 for each fiscal year, totaling $3,000,000. A minimum grant award of $75,000 and a maximum grant award of $250,000 apply to each cycle. An applicant cannot receive grants in both cycles.
  3. Is there a cap on Personnel costs?
    Personnel costs directly related to the start-up/implementation of the project are capped at 25 percent of the total grant award (recycling coordinator, salaries/wages for those directly involved with the project, e.g., students, consultants, etc.). Refer to the Eligible Costs Section on Page 7 of the Procedures and Requirements.
  4. Is the grantee required to have secured funding for projects prior to Notice to Proceed (NTP)? Can we go to council to accept the award and receive funding in July 2021?
    There is no requirement to secure funding in this Program. To be eligible for reimbursement, costs must be incurred after receiving a Notice to Proceed and before the end of the Grant Term. All services must be provided and goods received during this period to be considered as eligible costs. Invoices for goods and services must be paid by the grantee prior to the inclusion of those goods or services on a payment request. Refer to the Eligible Costs Section of Page 7 of the Procedures and Requirements.

    A resolution is a required application document that must be uploaded no later than the secondary due date, or CalRecycle will deem the application incomplete and disqualify the applicant. Any applicant that is subject to a governing body may upload a Resolution in GMS that authorizes specific grant-related matters. Refer to the Applicant’s Documents on Pages 16 and 17 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions.

Application

  1. When will this new funding opportunity be out? What is the maximum grant award?
    The application solicitation period will be on October 6, 2020, and applications are due December 1, 2020. Refer to the Timeline and Cycle Details section of the Notice of Funds Available web page.  A minimum grant award is $75,000 and the maximum is $250,000. Please refer to Available Funds section in the Application Guidelines and Instructions.
  2. I have two programs that I would like to implement in my jurisdiction. The first is to replace existing single stream waste bins with multiple stream bins. The other is to replace old drinking fountains with water refill stations and adding additional water refill stations. Do you suggest applying for a single grant or multiple grants?
    Dual beverage recycling containers or multi-cluster bins are eligible expenditures, as long as it includes the collection of CRV containers. All bins must be permanently attached together. Refer to Eligible Costs Section Pages 7 and 8 Procedures and Requirements.The purchase of water refill stations, including the installation, education and outreach, or replacement of infrastructure, plumbing, maintenance, additional attachments or modifications are eligible. Refer to Eligible Projects/Products Section on Pages 7 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions.Only one application or a joint application can be submitted per entity for the Beverage Container Recycling Grant. Refer to the Eligible Applicants section on Pages 5 and 6 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions.
  3. We have a CRV Redemption center in California. Are we eligible for the Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program? If so, which cycle do we apply for or do we apply for both?
    Private businesses and individuals are not eligible to apply for the Beverage Container Recycling Grant. Refer to the Eligible Applicants Section on Pages 5 and 6 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions.
  4. Are bids/quotes for purchases such as bins or other materials required to be uploaded with the application? If so, is there a required number of quotes needed (example three quotes per purchase)?
    Applicants may submit additional documents/attachments including estimates, bids, or other costs to support the requested amount in the Budget document for purchases of equipment or materials.
  5. How can we access the Beverage Container Recycling Grant application?
    The application is available in CalRecycle’s web-based Grants Management System (GMS). You must have a CalRecycle WebPass to log in to the system. If you have not previously obtained a CalRecycle WebPass, you may create an account at the CalRecycle WebPass page. Refer to the Application Access Section on Page 11 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions.
  6. Our current project scope includes city facilities, facilities operated by local schools, and a local park district. Can our City adopt an individual applicant resolution for a project that would extend beyond city facilities provided it has letters of support?
    Eligible applicants may apply as an individual or as a joint applicant. Only one application can be submitted per entity. Eligible entities may join together in a joint grant application in which two or more eligible entities join together to implement the grant. A Lead Participant (Lead) must be designated to act on behalf of all participating entities. The Lead is the applicant, and if awarded, will be the grantee responsible for the performance of the grant and all required documentation.Refer to the Applicant’s Documents Section on Pages 16 to 19 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions for specific requirements.

For more information, visit Beverage Container Recycling Home