Kentucky governor announces $6.2M in recycling grants

Last week, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced $6.2 million in grants awarded to 70 local projects across the state to expand recycling, boost landfill diversion and improve the handling of household hazardous waste.

 Three types of grants were awarded:

1. Recycling grants provide funds for counties to purchase equipment with the goal of promoting sustainable regional recycling infrastructure in Kentucky. Twenty-eight recycling grants were awarded, totaling more than $3.8 million.
2. Composting grants fund equipment purchases to improve composting and promote “creative solutions” for managing food waste, lawn waste and other organic material. Nine composting grants totaling $1.25 million were awarded.
3. Household hazardous waste grants support counties conducting annual drop-off events for residents to dispose of household chemicals, electronics and other potentially hazardous materials. Thirty-three household hazardous waste grants were awarded, totaling more than $1 million.

“These grants help support important services for our communities that will limit our contribution to landfills and encourage recycling and reuse,” Beshear says. “This will help us ensure our New Kentucky Home is clean and beautiful for generations to come.”  

The grants require a 25 percent local match in the form of cash or “in-kind” labor, educational activities or advertising to promote the program from those receiving the awards.

To apply for next year’s grants, applications should be postmarked or hand-delivered to Division of Waste Management, Recycling and Local Assistance Branch, or emailed to  williamt.collins@ky.gov by 4 p.m. EDT April 1, 2026. The original application and any supporting documentation must be submitted for an application to be complete. Each grant requires a 25 percent local match. Application materials can be found here.