Foam Recycling Coalition accepting grant submissions

The Foam Recycling Coalition (FRC), Falls Church, Virginia, has opened its grant submission process to support increased recycling of packaging made from foam polystyrene. The FRC, part of the Foodservice Packaging Institute, also based in Falls Church, is seeking applicants looking to start or strengthen a postconsumer foam polystyrene (PS) recycling program, FRC reports in a news release on the grant submission process.

“During the past five years, the Foam Recycling Coalition has awarded nearly $820,000 in grants to communities and recycling businesses in the United States and Canada,” says Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute. “Over 4 million more people can now recycle foam polystyrene directly due to these partnerships and investments.”

Many communities across North America have started or expanded PS recycling programs due to this grant, FRC reports. A list of past grantees and a link to the FRC equipment grant application can be found at www.recyclefoam.org/grants. Both public and private organizations involved in managing residential drop-off and curbside recycling programs or material recovery facilities are eligible to apply for funding.

This initiative helps fund infrastructure for the collection, processing and marketing of products made from PS. It targets postconsumer PS products, which includes foodservice packaging (such as cups, plates, bowls, clamshells and cafeteria trays) and other types of packaging (such as egg cartons, meat trays and protective packaging used when shipping electronics and other fragile items).

The FRC distributes up to $50,000 for each grant. According to FRC, grant amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis dependent upon equipment needs. Although no cash match is required, additional costs may be incurred by the grantee for related items, such as site preparation, provision of conveying system, electrical infrastructure, freight and other installation costs.

Grantees are required to communicate the addition of PS in their recycling program, both directly to households and in their regular communication materials. Grantees also must commit to collecting, processing and marketing foam polystyrene for a minimum of three years, which includes reporting on the volumes to FRC.

According to FRC, applications must be submitted by May 1 for priority consideration. FRC will announce grant recipients throughout the year.