[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6076113,"mediaKeyId","2973955-09b33d72d1af2ae3f0176af2fb2d70c4","parentId",2973955,"title","MassDEP updates Recycling Dividends Program: point rules, CHARM requirements and outreach criteria clarified","audioSeconds",332,"startMs",3456450,"endMs",3123645,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2973955-09b33d72d1af2ae3f0176af2fb2d70c4&start=3456&end=3123","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2973955-09b33d72d1af2ae3f0176af2fb2d70c4/thumbnail_3456450.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6076113/Massachusetts/MassDEP-updates-Recycling-Dividends-Program-point-rules-CHARM-requirements-and-outreach-criteria-clarified","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076113-b9fb7c5f7865e8df688b6dc4da0f4fe5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770510994&Signature=BKl4t7Z8zjf6qRzl4RqRmsp2YV-NWCLKgFkujKtu3PN7fqtTAC~Bmt-ESo9apFh5~555M3hKx7yHFe9h3WH5wROOw1SqJnFsy7woQOhN0s~o8r0ZkIa5Y3gDSWhA7iBLf6mfdSJBqiQK4hR0vCRzztnFcSfRxFbpNjoN1wo1CBAXfS0BMmHFwpRkKlYgUaJUeFNsmkgKHYd3tEBW1vF7EJLzCcljwXSXTBC1tWvWJrreRnQSh-iNbinU0ygaT9RFT-xZfgh-yoSHE9F4fZuV2j7Zj1DuyI7DlIHzxuvING8ofv02EfwRP1Ny3coSJRoVeF-wYZiiQeE65zsdJQA9GQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","MassDEP","date","2025-04-11T16:25:59Z","article","Cathy Doudnath, lead on MassDEP’s Recycling Dividends Program (RDP), walked applicants through substantive changes and verification expectations for the Spring 2025 RDP application.

Program basics: Doudnath said RDP is in its twelfth year and continues as an incentive program that awards municipalities based on implemented best practices in reuse, recycling and organics. For fiscal year 2025, RDP offers point-scored options across multiple categories; staff said the application shows point totals and that municipalities earning at least one point are eligible for RDP payments. Points are awarded for programs and policies that were implemented or in effect during FY25 (July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025).

Payment brackets and EJ treatment: Doudnath said MassDEP combined the two smallest household brackets: municipalities with 4,999 households or fewer will be paid $420 per point for basic level (1–9 points) or $600 per point at the advanced level (10+ points). She also reiterated that municipalities designated as RDP environmental-justice (EJ) populations (51 municipalities on the current list) will receive advanced-level point payments even if they earn fewer than 10 points.

CHARM changes: The Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHARM) category now requires year-round collections at 12 times per year to earn points. To be eligible for CHARM points, a location must collect two required items (mercury-bearing products — e.g., fluorescent lamps, button batteries, thermostats — and textiles) plus additional listed items to meet the 8- or 12-item thresholds. Seasonal collections at least six times a year count for certain exemptions, and municipalities must list CHARM offerings on the RecycleSmart “Beyond the Bin” directory for points to be validated.

Curbside and enforcement: MassDEP clarified the curbside recycling regulation category with separate hauler-focused and resident-focused subsections. To earn the highest points for mandatory recycling and quality-enforcement options, municipalities must actively enforce rules and measure results by conducting an annual recycling audit to assess contamination levels. Evidence such as copy of the regulation, enforcement tracking sheets, warning letters or audit results will be requested for verification.

DEI and outreach changes: The DEI category now requires a multilingual trash-and-recycling guide (e.g., RecycleSmart translations) as a mandatory activity plus two optional activities from a specified list to earn points. Doudnath said municipalities should host translated outreach materials on municipal websites with direct links for verification. For the waste-prevention outreach point, MassDEP now requires six activities, including a required set of links: a Beyond the Bin listing, a RecycleSmart homepage link and the Recyclopedia widget (or equivalent) on the municipal site. Doudnath said municipal pages that continue to claim \"pizza boxes are not recyclable\" will make the municipality ineligible for that waste-prevention point: \"Pizza boxes are recyclable. We've confirmed it. We've confirmed it with the MRFs and the haulers, and we're all on board. If we see any information that says pizza boxes are not recyclable, you will not be eligible to earn this point.\"

Spending and dedicated accounts: RDP and related grant money must be spent on approved waste-reduction activities; Doudnath displayed the approved spending sheet and urged municipalities to spend carried-over RDP balances rather than accumulate them. She also said dedicated accounts for RDP funds are required as of this year: municipalities without a dedicated account must certify how grant funds will be tracked before accepting awards.

Ending: Doudnath urged applicants to consult the RDP details document (linked in the guidelines) and to use municipal-assistance coordinators for verification questions. She noted that MassDEP cross-checks several items (for example, HHW event dates via the department’s notification system and CHARM listings on Beyond the Bin).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","MassDEP SMRP Grant Information Webinar – April 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","MassDEP clarified changes to the Recycling Dividends Program (RDP) for Spring 2025, including payment bracket adjustments, CHARM collection requirements and strengthened outreach and verification rules.","taxTitle","Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Executive , Massachusetts","taxId",24971,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6076117,"MassDEP reiterates required technical assistance and funding structure for pay-as-you-throw grants",345,2076490,2422255,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2973955-09b33d72d1af2ae3f0176af2fb2d70c4&start=2076&end=2422","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2973955-09b33d72d1af2ae3f0176af2fb2d70c4/thumbnail_2076490.jpg","/articles/6076117/Massachusetts/MassDEP-reiterates-required-technical-assistance-and-funding-structure-for-pay-as-you-throw-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076117-af1079bcbc7bd4378b7895b0dd73eed9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770510994&Signature=S24yKGNtFGdBoU5TnaOxp~PMv1uVQGU4VrvebJCr5nixIoCEH6VbluNHD0NRoWcTzHHF~SpRCd8LsHmUBWUt7nr-nvwkioHyuMwJy6jUCL1YLgGjsyi1stPKbcTYUPA64gCNURyS-PimFlcZpD4QG18I1RoeU~NdgpCqNYa66A197rE0YW4hxhfLPeClCOvmSUQjXQm8DirU6TxkZ-k1PJLX03h1wEGXuX37csF-y1CG~rGdFKRJ5olSAcGirMTeIaYl~aVDvFT0Wld9XePuLESepSOV6et8sZs1jCRA3YW-4GSC8QhILZD0vRqxXFNMEOc6cd-cG02KLj1-xFUOVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ron Cochran, regional planner and the program manager for MassDEP’s pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) grant, reviewed the agency’s approach to PAYT funding and underscored that a technical-assistance (TA) grant is required before a municipality implements PAYT.

What PAYT is: Cochran explained PAYT is a per-unit fee for household trash that excludes charges for recycling, creating a financial incentive to reduce waste and increase recycling. MassDEP staff said the department views PAYT as one of the most effective municipal waste‑reduction tools; they cited data showing reductions in household trash of 25%–50% and an average reduction near 40% for successful PAYT adopters.

TA requirement: MassDEP offers up to 80 hours of in-kind technical assistance from a municipal assistance coordinator (MAC) under the TA grant. Cochran said that since 2022 MassDEP has required the TA grant for communities seeking to adopt PAYT. The TA grant is intended to support community engagement, public meetings, FAQs, and the planning needed to design a politically and operationally viable program.

Funding structure and caps: PAYT grants are calculated by number of municipal households served and can be used for a range of implementation costs. MassDEP said there is a cap of $300,000 per award. Cochran described several program models (drop-off, curbside, hybrid, bag/tag systems, carts) and said MassDEP supports many program designs. He also highlighted a new payment element for municipalities that already have 64‑gallon automated carts collected every other week: those municipalities may be eligible for an additional $5 per household level in the grant structure to reflect the effective weekly capacity when collection is every other week.

Verification and procurement notes: Applicants seeking full PAYT points must document participation levels and, where applicable, municipal bylaws requiring private haulers to provide integrated trash-and-recycling services to prevent undercutting of municipal programs. Cochran recommended early application for TA grants because implementation can be politically and operationally complex and may take a year or more.

Ending: Cochran pointed attendees to recorded PAYT webinars and encouraged municipal staff to apply for the TA grant early to ensure readiness if the community decides to adopt PAYT.","MassDEP said applicants proposing pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) programs must complete a required technical assistance (TA) step and described funding caps, program options and verification metrics for the Spring 2025 PAYT grant.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6076122,"MassDEP adds drop-off options, raises food-waste cart per-household rate in Spring 2025 SMART grants",146,1200460,1347139,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2973955-09b33d72d1af2ae3f0176af2fb2d70c4&start=1200&end=1347","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2973955-09b33d72d1af2ae3f0176af2fb2d70c4/thumbnail_1200460.jpg","/articles/6076122/Massachusetts/MassDEP-adds-drop-off-options-raises-food-waste-cart-per-household-rate-in-Spring-2025-SMART-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076122-25f23b0cb433bbb974b7469a8cdd065f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770510994&Signature=XpDX8lquQdWGS57AtjTzkbUDwioBRsOMoH8OSBUM7gu2YEfCW8gQLUuTwUzAidBKF~X0L5zRFrLcj25V~BQRrVU5YG~VHvqA-ZgyTmr3NLkFEtPy2mk7D-2T11PDRxu60eP7WtsGMtMrBfoc-2ltwX8GQSlscj5twDYBlGL6fd5ZD9T~yuAyKr3-SmKNdPLwtuDg35vtfGVRAyYjqCJQmfA97SJYpaRHAQncpz3oEcf9JfveH-4EvUCDzL3QzV8QzROGnBpNXU88chREyt1DQhhYqcE3TO-HdJRUpQhOxjNP71ooXn78ulAJS9WUHAXbAzgX1e~Lz3IgNIntQFqjzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection presenters outlined expansions and adjustments to the SMART Spring 2025 equipment grants, including a new drop-off food-waste equipment option and higher per-household funding for food-waste carts.

Becky Ferguson of the SMART team described two notable changes for curbside food-waste grants: MassDEP added an option to fund equipment for municipal food-waste drop-off sites (transfer stations or other municipal property) and increased the early-phase and expansion funding level to $25 per household (up from $20). \"This is up from $20 per household in previous years,\" Ferguson said. She also said labels or stickers remain required but the per-household rate now includes their cost. The maximum award for the food-waste cart grant is $125,000 per municipality for up to 5,000 households (the 5,000-household limit is cumulative over multiple grant years), Ferguson added.

Drop-off equipment: Mikayla Guilliani (drop-off equipment presenter) reviewed six drop-off grant categories for Spring 2025 and associated reimbursement caps reported on the webinar:

- Food-waste drop-off station equipment: reimbursement up to $3,000 per site; maximum four sites; $12,000 cap per municipality. Funds may be used for carts or dumpsters, compostable liner bags, countertop containers and outreach materials. Sites must be on municipal property.

- Paint (oil-based, varnishes, stains): reimbursement for an enclosed weatherproof structure (shed) up to $5,000. (Latex paint is not considered hazardous and may be dried for disposal or collected for reuse.)

- Cardboard compactor (old corrugated cardboard only): reimbursement up to $10,000.

- Source-separated glass roll-offs (20- or 30-cubic-yard open-top roll-offs): reimbursement up to $8,000; optional convertible or gable tops may be considered.

- Reuse swap shop shed (permanent or seasonal shed for reusable household goods): reimbursement up to $6,000.

- Universal waste shed (for fluorescent lamps, batteries, thermostats, mercury devices): reimbursement up to $5,000.

Ferguson and Guilliani said municipalities may apply for up to two equipment categories in a single year, but each drop-off equipment award is a one-time reimbursement (if a town received an item in a prior year it generally is not eligible for the same item again). They also noted that some municipal waste combustor partnerships may provide similar sheds under their material separation plans; municipalities should check eligibility with their municipal assistance coordinator before applying.

Evaluation criteria specific to drop-off equipment include accessibility to residents and nonresidents, identification of a market/processor for the target material, enforcement of prohibitions on trashing target materials (for example, cardboard), and estimated tonnage to be captured for recyclables such as OCC or glass.

Ending: MassDEP encouraged applicants to consult the grant guidelines for itemized changes (highlighted in the posted documents), confirm municipal property status for drop-off sites, and speak with municipal assistance coordinators before applying.","MassDEP expanded drop-off equipment categories for the Spring 2025 SMART grants, added a food-waste drop-off option, and increased the food-waste cart per-household funding rate to $25 (up from $20). Several drop-off equipment reimbursement caps were published.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6076126,"MassDEP details SMART grant priorities, Q&A rules and schedule for Spring 2025 cycle",3481,102035,3583650,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2973955-09b33d72d1af2ae3f0176af2fb2d70c4&start=102&end=3583","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2973955-09b33d72d1af2ae3f0176af2fb2d70c4/thumbnail_102035.jpg","/articles/6076126/Massachusetts/MassDEP-details-SMART-grant-priorities-QA-rules-and-schedule-for-Spring-2025-cycle","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076126-0b740d2566b62d9fd0b4616854c0c135/orig.mp4?Expires=1770510994&Signature=JuKuYg9-lsoiVYKRVYaWqydY-uaECu34plC2H1b833qep-zSRXo~op6NAE2tEpY9pxc7QUprZ~ZRH-dbJsQSVWcABNXxID9IbsWFaxC8Wadibg9Tfd1U4bVdWESHLjudlm3Qnfuw5-MGNZMYbTLn0~eUkAWKYjX8db7uZ3rBQYfxYDOmKxn529KcrbWDCP8GxWCcEY-tK94owbAu6rHS8Mum34Ifd10IrXHAGFuZv8LvLzfhhFu1Y1gFIhzsP6ZDZO6xC0z-m4SWlexxuIQZW4-10gCKUqQ0-g0hToMUdORe3SqBmWZ4jnCmJXMwbMXbo9lD4TEFoDizKFs6YeIv~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rachel Smith, regional planner and grant manager at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), opened a webinar for municipal applicants on the agency’s Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMART) for the spring 2025 grant cycle. MassDEP staff outlined program priorities, the agency’s review criteria, and the schedule for question submission and applications.

SMART funding comes from the state’s waste-to-energy credit (WEC) receipts under the Green Community Act and related MassDEP regulations, Smith said, and has supported municipal assistance coordinators, outreach programs such as RecycleSmart and the Green Team, and the department’s grant programs. \"SMART was created through the Green Community Act and MassDEP regulations that qualified municipal waste combustors to earn waste to energy credits,\" Smith said.

Why it matters: applicants’ adherence to MassDEP’s eligibility, data reporting, and procurement rules helps determine which municipal projects best advance the department’s Solid Waste Master Plan and the department’s statewide waste-reduction goals. MassDEP staff said they consider municipal survey data, past grant performance and compliance, readiness to implement projects (for example, town approvals and procurement status), and whether a municipality serves an environmental-justice population when evaluating applications.

Key deadlines and process rules announced on the webinar: MassDEP will accept applicant-submitted written questions through May 5; the department will post official answers on May 12. Smith emphasized the new standardized Q&A rule: \"The question should be from the applicant only.\" After May 5, MassDEP will not take additional substantive questions and will rely on the posted guidance and the grant guidelines. The department set the application deadline at midnight on June 2 and said awards are expected in the fall pending evaluation.

Smith and other presenters noted that the budget for Spring 2025 is an estimate based on past cycles; MassDEP awarded nearly $4 million in the 2024 cycle and said the final award pool this year will depend on the number and quality of applications. Staff also reminded applicants of three early-submission requirements: the municipal recycling and solid-waste survey, the RDP spending report for the prior year, and an annual notification of the municipality’s Buy-Recycled policy. Missing the February 15 early-submission deadline may cost municipalities one RDP point, staff said.

MassDEP repeated that the SMART program for Spring 2025 includes six grant categories and that guideline documents (with yellow highlights for changes) and contacts for municipal assistance coordinators are posted on the department website. Staff said they will use RITRAC, the agency’s online grant portal, for eligibility checking and application intake.

Ending: MassDEP urged applicants to consult the posted guidelines and contact their municipal assistance coordinators early. Smith closed the formal presentation by reminding attendees that the department will post the webinar recording and the Q&A responses and that only applicant-submitted questions received by May 5 will be treated as official for the Spring 2025 cycle.","The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) presented the Spring 2025 SMART grant offerings, evaluation criteria, and a firm Q&A and application schedule, telling applicants that all substantive questions must come from the applicant and that no questions will be accepted after May 5.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6076108,"MassDEP outlines larger grant tracks for waste‑reduction, organics capacity and regional HHW facilities",110,3483849,3594295,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2973955-09b33d72d1af2ae3f0176af2fb2d70c4&start=3483&end=3594","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2973955-09b33d72d1af2ae3f0176af2fb2d70c4/thumbnail_3483849.jpg","/articles/6076108/Massachusetts/MassDEP-outlines-larger-grant-tracks-for-wastereduction-organics-capacity-and-regional-HHW-facilities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076108-d67f1e586a2534b823cd848f78a22990/orig.mp4?Expires=1770510994&Signature=I2BydXKI7pUxuzGS0X11uBxJOZkK0iEI6mkx63NBf7iINVFFfYErPH8WnxGLO48fa7IZrY~tEGlluUvV570VatsHE7i~4~TVbQu4epowRwSKROI0KPxe8Xkhgy8yuDS8j-0di0lE4UsKJrrzJFnZRHq0EEnzTtoeKQoQdeFcgL1DbwG5DTWnWLgWFCtckkVLst-anqPumLBwV4kWO8txmmBFDDihr9aG8Hp-aexO71BBuKw0Aw5UVeXOeW~sMvJplV-jWaMsgqP1EnhPf7h-AzF6KiypO7urCwJrXK9HibzGhgffg6GhZ-1u1u5v6RaExAYqvZBeujYz~NGTmrv2JQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rachel Smith closed the formal portion of the webinar with an overview of MassDEP’s larger-scale SMART grant tracks: waste-reduction projects, organics-capacity projects, and grants to establish regional household hazardous waste (HHW) facilities.

Grant categories and award ranges: Smith said the waste-reduction project grants are intended to expand opportunities for reuse, recycling, composting or HHW management and typically range from $20,000 to $100,000 with a typical two-year project completion expectation. Organics-capacity grants may fund larger capital or programmatic efforts and can award up to $250,000, with guidance on allowable capital vs. consultant/contractor costs in the posted details. Grants supporting the establishment of permanent HHW facilities are available with award guidance up to $250,000 for regional applicants and $50,000 for individual municipalities, Smith said.

Application and proposal requirements: MassDEP uses a single online application for these tracks, but applicants may submit only one proposal to avoid competing submissions. The department requires a mandatory project proposal (a fillable form on the website) with a 4–8 page narrative, workplan, budget, references and letters of support. Smith said the proposals will be scored by multiple MassDEP staff and that the department expects to announce awards in the fall, with timing dependent on the number and quality of submissions.

Examples and past awards: Smith provided examples from previous awards — regional recycling centers, latex paint reuse programs, agricultural plastic-film pilots and an anaerobic digester project awarded in a prior cycle — to illustrate the types of projects MassDEP considers appropriate for larger project funding.

Ending: Applicants were reminded to consult the grant details document, to coordinate with municipal assistance coordinators, and to meet the SMART application deadline. Smith said the department would post the webinar recording and the compiled Q&A responses after May 12.","MassDEP summarized application requirements and award ranges for larger project proposals in the SMART portfolio: waste‑reduction projects ($20,000–$100,000), organics capacity projects (up to $250,000) and regional household hazardous waste (HHW) facilities (up to $250,000 for regional applicants).","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

MassDEP updates Recycling Dividends Program: point rules, CHARM requirements and outreach criteria clarified

MassDEP reiterates required technical assistance and funding structure for pay-as-you-throw grants

MassDEP adds drop-off options, raises food-waste cart per-household rate in Spring 2025 SMART grants

MassDEP details SMART grant priorities, Q&A rules and schedule for Spring 2025 cycle

MassDEP outlines larger grant tracks for waste‑reduction, organics capacity and regional HHW facilities