Apply for Foam Recycling Coalition Grant Program (US and Canada)

Deadline: 17-Apr-2026

The Foam Recycling Coalition Grant Program provides funding to public and private entities in the U.S. and Canada to expand post-consumer foam polystyrene collection and recycling. Grants up to $50,000 support equipment, program enhancements, and operational improvements, with a three-year commitment to collection, processing, and marketing.

Program Overview

The Foam Recycling Coalition Grant Program aims to increase the recycling of post-consumer foam polystyrene by supporting entities that operate material recovery facilities, residential curbside programs, or drop-off recycling services. The initiative focuses on:

• Funding equipment and program enhancements

• Expanding acceptance of foam polystyrene

• Implementing recycling plans within six months of grant approval

• Communicating program updates to households

• Reporting collection and processing volumes

• Ensuring ongoing collection, processing, and marketing for at least three years

Funding is provided by members of the Foam Recycling Coalition, a special interest group of the Foodservice Packaging Institute.

Funding Details

• Maximum Grant: $50,000 per applicant

• Cash Match: Not required

• Additional Costs: Site preparation, conveying systems, electrical infrastructure, freight, and installation may incur extra expenses

• Grants are determined on a case-by-case basis based on equipment needs

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Public or private organizations in the U.S. or Canada

• Operators of material recovery facilities, residential curbside programs, or drop-off recycling programs

• Programs prepared to accept, collect, process, and market foam polystyrene

Exclusions:

• Communities with existing foam bans

• Programs that do not commit to operational requirements or reporting

Program Requirements

Applicants must:

• Implement required recycling equipment within six months of grant approval

• Integrate foam polystyrene acceptance into educational and communications materials

• Provide detailed reporting on volumes collected, processed, and marketed

• Maintain foam polystyrene collection and processing for a minimum of three years

How to Apply

1. Confirm Eligibility – Ensure your program meets operational and geographic requirements

2. Identify Needs – Determine equipment or program enhancements required to expand foam recycling

3. Prepare Application – Include project plan, equipment needs, implementation timeline, and reporting plan

4. Submit Application – Follow the Foam Recycling Coalition’s submission guidelines

5. Implement Project – Install equipment and integrate foam acceptance within six months

6. Report Progress – Track collection, processing, and marketing data for at least three years

Tips for a Successful Application

• Clearly outline how the grant will expand foam polystyrene collection and recycling capacity

• Provide a detailed timeline for implementation within six months

• Include strategies for community engagement and education

• Demonstrate long-term commitment to ongoing recycling and reporting

• Consider additional operational costs beyond grant funding in project planning

FAQs

1. Who can apply for this grant?
Public or private entities in the U.S. and Canada operating material recovery facilities or residential/ drop-off recycling programs.

2. What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to $50,000, determined based on equipment and program needs.

3. Is a cash match required?
No cash match is required, though additional operational costs may apply.

4. Are communities with foam bans eligible?
No, communities that already have foam bans cannot apply.

5. What are the program implementation requirements?
Equipment must be installed within six months, foam acceptance integrated into communications, and reporting maintained for at least three years.

6. Can existing foam recycling programs apply?
Yes, programs seeking to expand foam polystyrene collection capacity are eligible.

7. How long must recipients maintain foam recycling operations?
Grant recipients must commit to at least three years of collection, processing, and marketing.

Conclusion

The Foam Recycling Coalition Grant Program provides essential support for public and private organizations to enhance foam polystyrene recycling across the U.S. and Canada. With funding for equipment and program expansion, coupled with a three-year operational commitment, the initiative strengthens recycling infrastructure, increases environmental sustainability, and engages communities in responsible waste management.

For more information, visit FPI.