Reusable Beverage Containers Infrastructure Grant Program (FY 2022-23)
🏛 Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (California)
Can you apply?
This grant is for establishing Bottle Washer Processor infrastructure for reusable glass beverage containers in California.
Eligible applicants include local governments (cities, counties), Joint Powers Authorities, 501(c)3/4/6/10 nonprofits, Qualifying Tribal Entities, and for-profit businesses. All applicants must be based in California.
Eligible costs include equipment (washers, forklifts, office equipment), software, supplies and storage, personnel (capped at 10% of request), employee training, and facility construction/renovation costs. Projects must focus on setting up a Bottle Washer Processor facility.
This grant is for establishing Bottle Washer Processor infrastructure for reusable glass beverage containers in California.
Eligible applicants include local governments (cities, counties), Joint Powers Authorities, 501(c)3/4/6/10 nonprofits, Qualifying Tribal Entities, and for-profit businesses. All applicants must be based in California.
Eligible costs include equipment (washers, forklifts, office equipment), software, supplies and storage, personnel (capped at 10% of request), employee training, and facility construction/renovation costs. Projects must focus on setting up a Bottle Washer Processor facility.
Program description
Eligible Projects/Products Eligible projects include infrastructure costs and start-up costs related to establishing a Bottle Washer Processor for glass California CRV reusable beverage containers. Eligible applicants include: -Local governments (cities, counties, or cities and counties) as defined in Public Resources Code (PRC) section 30109. Joint Powers Authorities. -Nonprofit organizations (except private schools) registered with the federal government under 501(c)3, (c)4, (c)6 or (c)10 of the Internal Revenue Code. -Qualifying Tribal Entities. A Qualifying Tribal Entity is defined as a tribe, band, nation or other organized group or community, residing within the borders of California, which:is recognized for special programs and services provided by the United States because of the status of its members as Native Americans; orcan establish that it is a government entity, and which meets the criteria of the grant program. -Private, for-profit entities. For purposes of this program, a “private, for-profit entity” is defined as a business intended to operate at a profit and return a profit to its owners. Proposed eligible costs may include: • Equipment related to setting up a Bottle Washer Processor for reusable glass bottles (e.g., new bottle washer [parts/components for the system], forklift, office equipment). • Software technology related to the equipment • Supplies and materials related to setting up a Bottle Washer Processor for reusable glass bottles (e.g., shelving, racks, or storage for reusable products). • Personnel directly related to the project (limited to 10% of the total request amount excluding equipment). • Training for grantees’ employees on new equipment and certifications needed to implement the project. • Construction, renovation, or expansion costs of facilities connected to installation and/or retrofitting of the equipment at the location.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- 501(c)(4) Social Welfare
- 501(c)(6) Business League
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Tribal Nation
Details
This grant is for establishing Bottle Washer Processor infrastructure for reusable glass beverage containers in California.
Eligible applicants include local governments (cities, counties), Joint Powers Authorities, 501(c)3/4/6/10 nonprofits, Qualifying Tribal Entities, and for-profit businesses. All applicants must be based in California.
Eligible costs include equipment (washers, forklifts, office equipment), software, supplies and storage, personnel (capped at 10% of request), employee training, and facility construction/renovation costs. Projects must focus on setting up a Bottle Washer Processor facility.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Application form (CalGrants or agency-specific)
- Project narrative/proposal
- Detailed budget with cost breakdowns
- Equipment specifications and vendor quotes
- Facility plans or architectural drawings (if applicable)
- Organizational documentation (IRS 501(c) letter, government entity proof, or Tribal Entity documentation)
Program contact
- 📧 tiffany.morris@calrecycle.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-341-6244
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-2026 | 3 | 1 | 33% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Local governments, Joint Powers Authorities, nonprofits (501c3/4/6/10), Qualifying Tribal Entities in California, and for-profit businesses. All must operate in California.
What costs are eligible?
Equipment for bottle washers, forklifts, office equipment, software, storage supplies, personnel (up to 10% of total request), employee training, and facility construction/renovation.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant program.
What is the funding range?
Awards range from $3,000,000 to $23,750,000 for infrastructure and start-up costs.
What is the geographic scope?
This grant is limited to California. Projects must be located within California borders.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus your proposal on the bottle washer processor infrastructure and how it will process reusable glass CRV containers efficiently.
- Cap personnel costs at 10% of your total request amount; use remaining budget for equipment and facility costs.
- Include detailed timelines for equipment procurement, facility renovation, and staff training in your project plan.
- Demonstrate local support and market demand for reusable container processing in your community or region.
- Clearly itemize all equipment and construction costs; provide vendor quotes or cost estimates for major items.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Requesting personnel costs exceeding 10% of total grant request; inadequate detail on equipment specifications and facility requirements. Failing to demonstrate market feasibility or customer demand for a bottle washer processor in the proposed location.
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