Waste Reduction and Circular Economy Grants (Georgia)

Deadline: 01-May-2026

The Waste Reduction and Circular Economy Development Grants Programme in Georgia supports organizations in implementing waste reduction, recycling, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiatives. Grants of USD 110,000–145,000 fund projects that promote circular economy practices, enhance infrastructure and technologies, and encourage inclusive participation from women- and youth-led organizations.

Overview of the Programme

The Waste Reduction and Circular Economy Development Grants Programme aims to strengthen Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems in Georgia by supporting projects that:

• Reduce waste generation in targeted EPR waste streams
• Promote source-separated collection systems
• Expand pre-treatment and recycling to divert waste from landfills
• Improve recovery rates and contribute to a circular economy

The programme is part of a joint initiative with international partners to accelerate Georgia’s transition toward a green, inclusive, and circular economy, aligned with European waste management standards.

Programme Objectives

Key objectives include:

1. Achieve measurable waste reduction across EPR waste streams
2. Strengthen policy frameworks, institutional capacity, and enforcement
3. Enhance public awareness and stakeholder engagement
4. Support innovative, practical solutions in waste prevention, collection, transportation, recycling, and recovery
5. Promote inclusive participation, including women- and youth-led organizations

Eligible Waste Streams

The programme targets the following key waste streams:

• Batteries
• Waste oils
• Electronic waste (e-waste)
• Packaging materials
• Tires
• End-of-life vehicles

All projects must align with circular economy principles, emphasizing reduce, reuse, recycle, and recovery.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants must:

• Be registered organizations in Georgia
• Have at least two years of experience in waste management or circular economy initiatives
• Commit to co-financing a portion of the project
• Be capable of implementing projects that deliver measurable environmental outcomes

Priority will be given to Producer Responsibility Organizations, civil society groups, and inclusive initiatives led by women or youth.

Grant Details

• Funding range: USD 110,000–145,000 per project
• Maximum implementation period: 9 months
• Support provided: Structured technical assistance and advisory support to enhance execution, optimize resources, and achieve measurable results

How the Programme Works

1. Application Submission – Applicants submit proposals detailing objectives, methodologies, budget, and expected outcomes.
2. Evaluation and Selection – Proposals are evaluated based on innovation, impact, feasibility, and alignment with EPR and circular economy goals.
3. Project Implementation – Selected grantees execute projects with support in infrastructure, equipment, technologies, and operational improvements.
4. Monitoring and Reporting – Grantees report on performance indicators, environmental outcomes, and resource utilization.
5. Technical Assistance – Advisory support is provided to strengthen project execution and stakeholder engagement.

Why This Programme Matters

• Addresses gaps in waste management infrastructure and enforcement in Georgia
• Promotes circular economy practices and sustainable resource use
• Encourages inclusive participation and equitable access to finance and project opportunities
• Strengthens collaboration across the waste management value chain

Tips for Applicants

• Ensure projects focus on tangible waste reduction outcomes
• Highlight innovative solutions in recycling, recovery, or collection
• Demonstrate co-financing commitment
• Include inclusive participation strategies, especially for women- and youth-led initiatives
• Clearly outline technical and operational improvements, including infrastructure or technology investments

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible to apply?
Registered organizations in Georgia with at least two years of experience in waste management or circular economy projects.

2. What is the grant amount?
Grants range from USD 110,000 to USD 145,000 per project.

3. What is the maximum project duration?
Projects must be completed within nine months.

4. Which waste streams are prioritized?
Batteries, waste oils, e-waste, packaging, tires, and end-of-life vehicles.

5. Are women- and youth-led projects supported?
Yes. Inclusive participation is encouraged and prioritized.

6. Is co-financing required?
Yes. Applicants must commit to co-financing a portion of the project.

7. What kind of support is provided to grantees?
Grantees receive technical assistance, advisory support, and guidance to improve implementation, optimize resources, and achieve measurable environmental outcomes.

Conclusion

The Waste Reduction and Circular Economy Development Grants Programme offers a unique opportunity for organizations in Georgia to strengthen EPR systems, implement innovative waste reduction and recycling projects, and contribute to a sustainable, inclusive circular economy. By focusing on measurable impact, infrastructure improvements, and inclusive participation, the programme drives meaningful environmental and social benefits.

For more information, visit UNDP.