Open Call for Prevention and Zero Waste Grant Opportunity

The Prevention and Zero Waste Grant supports regions implementing innovative solutions to prevent plastic pollution and microplastic leakage in rivers and connected water systems. The programme provides funding of up to €70,000 per project for regional and local authorities developing monitoring, prevention, removal, recycling, restoration, citizen engagement, and circular economy solutions.

The initiative helps eligible regions replicate and scale UPSTREAM solutions to reduce plastic waste, protect freshwater ecosystems, and prevent plastic pollution from reaching rivers and seas.

Prevention and Zero Waste Grant Overview

The Prevention and Zero Waste Grant provides financial support and technical assistance to regions working on solutions for plastic litter prevention, microplastic reduction, and zero-waste approaches in freshwater ecosystems.

The funding opportunity focuses on helping regions develop and implement practical solutions that reduce plastic leakage into rivers, tributaries, and connected marine environments.

The programme supports the replication, adaptation, and scaling of UPSTREAM solutions related to:

• Plastic monitoring
• Microplastic detection
• Waste prevention
• Plastic removal and recovery
• Recycling and valorisation
• Nature-based restoration
• Citizen participation
• Open data sharing

The goal is to support a transition toward circular and sustainable water management systems.

Purpose of the Prevention and Zero Waste Grant

The main objective of this funding opportunity is to help regions prevent plastic pollution at its source and improve the management of plastic waste in freshwater systems.

The grant supports projects that:

• Reduce plastic waste entering rivers
• Prevent microplastic pollution
• Improve monitoring of plastic contamination
• Develop zero-waste strategies
• Test circular economy solutions
• Restore polluted freshwater environments
• Encourage public participation
• Share knowledge and data among regions

The programme enables regions to apply and adapt proven approaches to local environmental challenges.

Why Plastic Pollution Prevention Matters

Plastic pollution is a growing environmental challenge affecting rivers, freshwater ecosystems, and oceans.

Plastic waste entering waterways can:

• Harm aquatic biodiversity
• Create microplastic contamination
• Affect water quality
• Threaten ecosystems and human health
• Increase cleanup and management costs

Preventing plastic leakage through monitoring, recycling, recovery, and community action helps protect natural resources and supports long-term environmental sustainability.

Key Focus Areas of the Prevention and Zero Waste Call

The funding supports multiple activities aimed at reducing plastic pollution and strengthening circular solutions.

Plastic and Microplastic Monitoring

Projects may support monitoring systems that improve understanding of plastic pollution in rivers and tributaries.

Activities may include:

• Monitoring plastic litter levels
• Tracking microplastic contamination
• Digitalising plastic pollution data
• Improving environmental data collection
• Using technology-based monitoring tools

Prevention and Zero-Waste Measures

The programme supports solutions that reduce plastic waste generation and prevent leakage into waterways.

Examples include:

• Zero-waste initiatives
• Waste prevention strategies
• Circular economy approaches
• Sustainable resource management models

Plastic Removal and Recovery

Projects may focus on removing existing plastic pollution from freshwater systems.

Supported activities may include:

• River litter collection
• Plastic recovery systems
• Waste capture solutions
• Recovery and processing approaches

Recycling and Plastic Valorisation

The grant supports pilot projects that explore ways to reuse recovered plastics.

Activities may include:

• Recycling demonstrations
• Plastic reuse models
• Valorisation pilots
• Circular economy solutions

Nature-Based Solutions and Ecosystem Restoration

Projects may include environmental restoration activities in:

• River ecosystems
• Riparian areas
• Urban water systems

Nature-based approaches can help improve ecosystem resilience and reduce pollution impacts.

Citizen Science and Community Engagement

The programme encourages public participation in plastic pollution prevention.

Activities may include:

• Citizen monitoring programmes
• Community clean-up initiatives
• Co-creation workshops
• Public awareness activities

Citizen involvement helps improve environmental awareness and strengthens local ownership of solutions.

Open Data and Knowledge Sharing

Projects are encouraged to share knowledge and results through UPSTREAM platforms.

Activities may include:

• Publishing monitoring data
• Sharing project results
• Developing knowledge resources
• Supporting regional learning networks

Who Is Eligible for the Prevention and Zero Waste Grant?

Eligible applicants include:

• Regional public authorities
• Local public authorities
• Organisations directly representing regional or local authorities

Applicants must be located in eligible associated regions of:

• EU Member States
• Associated countries

Applicants must not be located in:

• UPSTREAM beneficiary countries
• UPSTREAM FSTP Open Call 1 funding regions
• INSPIRE project funding regions

Eligible Project Activities

Projects must align with the objectives of the call and demonstrate activities related to plastic pollution prevention and freshwater protection.

Eligible activities may include:

• Plastic monitoring systems
• Microplastic assessment
• Waste prevention measures
• Plastic removal initiatives
• Recovery and recycling pilots
• Ecosystem restoration
• Citizen engagement activities
• Knowledge-sharing activities

Projects should demonstrate how activities can be replicated, scaled, or adapted in other regions.

Funding Amount and Duration

The Prevention and Zero Waste Grant provides:

• Maximum funding: Up to €70,000 per application
• Grant type: Lump-sum funding
• Implementation period: Eight months
• Expected supported projects: Two to three projects
• Total available budget: €140,000

Funding is intended to support regional pilot activities and practical implementation of plastic pollution solutions.

How the Prevention and Zero Waste Grant Works

The programme supports regions through a structured approach:

Step 1: Identify Plastic Pollution Challenges

Applicants identify local challenges related to:

• Plastic litter
• Microplastic contamination
• River pollution
• Waste management gaps

Projects should define the environmental problem they aim to address.

Step 2: Develop a Regional Solution

Applicants design activities that may include:

• Monitoring systems
• Prevention strategies
• Removal solutions
• Recycling pilots
• Community engagement

The proposed solution should match local environmental needs.

Step 3: Implement and Test Activities

Selected projects implement their solutions during the eight-month grant period.

Activities may include:

• Pilot testing
• Data collection
• Community participation
• Knowledge sharing

Step 4: Share Results and Learning

Projects should document outcomes and share lessons learned through relevant UPSTREAM platforms.

How to Apply for the Prevention and Zero Waste Grant

Applicants should follow the application process carefully.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should verify that they:

• Represent an eligible regional or local authority
• Are located in an eligible associated region
• Are not excluded due to geographic restrictions

Step 2: Prepare a Project Proposal

The proposal should explain:

• Plastic pollution challenge
• Proposed solution
• Expected environmental benefits
• Implementation activities
• Community involvement
• Knowledge-sharing plans

Step 3: Prepare Required Documentation

Applicants must provide:

• Proof of legal status
• Eligibility documentation
• Project details
• Budget information
• Confirmation that activities have not started before the grant

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applicants must submit their application according to the official call requirements.

The proposal should demonstrate alignment with the objectives of the Prevention and Zero Waste programme.

Step 5: Implement the Approved Project

Selected applicants must:

• Complete activities within the eight-month period
• Avoid double funding
• Follow EU requirements
• Report project outcomes

Eligibility Requirements and Compliance Conditions

Applicants must meet several conditions, including:

• Activities must not begin before grant approval
• Funding must not duplicate other financial support
• Applicants must comply with EU restrictive measures
• Required legal documentation must be provided
• Project activities must match the objectives of the call

Common Application Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Proposing projects unrelated to plastic pollution prevention
• Starting activities before grant approval
• Failing to provide legal documents
• Ignoring geographic eligibility rules
• Not explaining project impact

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly describe the local plastic pollution challenge
• Connect activities with zero-waste goals
• Include measurable environmental outcomes
• Explain how solutions can be replicated
• Highlight community participation
• Demonstrate long-term sustainability

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Prevention and Zero Waste Grant?

The Prevention and Zero Waste Grant supports regions implementing solutions to prevent plastic litter and microplastic pollution in rivers and connected waters.

How much funding is available?

Selected applicants can receive up to €70,000 per project through lump-sum funding.

Who can apply for this grant?

Regional and local public authorities, or organisations directly representing them, from eligible associated EU Member State and associated country regions can apply.

What types of projects are supported?

The programme supports plastic monitoring, prevention, removal, recycling, restoration, citizen science, and knowledge-sharing activities.

How long is the project implementation period?

Supported projects must be implemented within eight months.

How many projects will receive funding?

Approximately two to three projects are expected to be supported, with a total available budget of €140,000.

What are UPSTREAM solutions?

UPSTREAM solutions are approaches focused on preventing plastic pollution through monitoring, waste reduction, recovery, recycling, and knowledge-sharing strategies.

Conclusion

The Prevention and Zero Waste Grant provides an opportunity for regions to develop practical solutions that reduce plastic pollution and protect freshwater ecosystems.

By supporting monitoring systems, zero-waste strategies, recycling pilots, restoration activities, and community engagement, the programme helps regions move toward sustainable and circular approaches to plastic management.

Through the replication and scaling of UPSTREAM solutions, funded projects can contribute to cleaner rivers, healthier ecosystems, and reduced plastic pollution reaching oceans.