Foodservice Packaging Institute opens applications for 2026 foam recycling grant program

The Falls Church, Virginia-based Foodservice Packaging Institute’s (FPI’s) Foam Recycling Coalition has opened applications for its 2026 grant program.

Since its inception, FPI says the grant program has enabled more than 15 million additional residents to recycle foam polystyrene, including cups, egg cartons, takeout containers and packaging materials. Facility operators, nonprofits and solid waste authorities are eligible for grants of up to $50,000 to help establish or enhance foam polystyrene recycling in their communities.

The 2026 application period is open now through April 17. Eligible entities must operate a material recovery facility (MRF), manage a residential curbside recycling program or manage a drop-off or convenience site recycling program.

“The grants are meant to empower communities and businesses to purchase equipment that enables efficient and long-term success of foam recycling programs,” FPI President Natha Dempsey says. “By supporting efforts that take action, we can see tangible impact in recycling access.”

FPI says previous grant awardees used Foam Recycling Coalition funding to purchase equipment, including collection bins and foam densifiers.

Grants are made possible through contributions to the Foam Recycling Coalition, which focuses exclusively on increased recycling of postconsumer foam polystyrene.