Tire-Derived Aggregate Grant Program
🏛 Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (California)
Can you apply?
This grant is for California-based organizations and entities implementing tire-derived aggregate (TDA) projects. Eligible applicants include local governments, special districts, public school districts, state agencies, universities, for-profit businesses with California operations, nonprofits (501c3/c4/c6/c10), and qualifying tribal entities. Projects must fall into one of five categories: mechanically stabilized TDA for retaining walls, low-impact stormwater development, lightweight fill and slope stabilization, vibration mitigation under rail lines, or landfill applications. Geographic scope is limited to California.
This grant is for California-based organizations and entities implementing tire-derived aggregate (TDA) projects. Eligible applicants include local governments, special districts, public school districts, state agencies, universities, for-profit businesses with California operations, nonprofits (501c3/c4/c6/c10), and qualifying tribal entities. Projects must fall into one of five categories: mechanically stabilized TDA for retaining walls, low-impact stormwater development, lightweight fill and slope stabilization, vibration mitigation under rail lines, or landfill applications. Geographic scope is limited to California.
Program description
Tire-Derived Aggregate (TDA) is made from shredded tires as an alternative to conventional lightweight aggregates that is: Lightweight Free-draining Less expensive Eligible Applicants Include: -All California local government entities, including cities, counties, and cities and counties. -Special districts, including transportation districts. -Joint Powers Authorities in which all JPA members are also eligible applicants. -Public school districts. -All California state agencies, including offices, departments, bureaus, and boards. -University of California, California State University, and California Community Colleges. -Private, for-profit entities. Defined as a business intended to operate at a profit and return a profit to its owner(s). The business must be California-based, or if in another state, must have an operational presence in California: see Application Guidelines and Instructions for complete details and restrictions. -Non-profit organizations, except private elementary or secondary schools, registered with the federal government under section 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 to Indians because of the status of its members as Indians or: Can prove that it is a government entity and meets the criteria of the grant program. Eligible projects include: Category 1: Mechanically Stabilized TDA for retaining walls. Category 2: Low Impact Development, stormwater mitigation including stormwater infiltration galleries. Category 3: Lightweight film, slope stabilization, embankment fill, landslide repair, and retaining walls. Category 4: Vibration mitigation under rail lines. Category 5: Landfill application, aggregate replacement projects such as leachate and gas collection systems, drainage layers, and leachate injection. How to apply: Funding – CalRecycle Home Page Applications due July 16, 2026.
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
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Tribal Nation
Details
This grant is for California-based organizations and entities implementing tire-derived aggregate (TDA) projects. Eligible applicants include local governments, special districts, public school districts, state agencies, universities, for-profit businesses with California operations, nonprofits (501c3/c4/c6/c10), and qualifying tribal entities. Projects must fall into one of five categories: mechanically stabilized TDA for retaining walls, low-impact stormwater development, lightweight fill and slope stabilization, vibration mitigation under rail lines, or landfill applications. Geographic scope is limited to California.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Application form or cover letter
- Project description and scope
- Project budget and cost estimate
- Project timeline
- Evidence of eligibility (registration documents for nonprofits; operational proof for for-profits; tribal recognition for tribal entities)
Program contact
- 📧 Phanessa.Fong@calrecycle.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-341-6689
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
California local governments, state agencies, schools, universities, for-profit businesses with CA operations, nonprofits, and tribal entities are eligible. Each applicant type has specific requirements.
What projects qualify for funding?
Five project categories are eligible: mechanically stabilized TDA retaining walls, stormwater/LID projects, lightweight fill and slope stabilization, rail vibration mitigation, and landfill applications.
Is there a cost-sharing requirement?
No cost-sharing is required. The grant covers 100% of eligible project costs.
What is the funding range?
Awards typically reach up to $375,000 per project. The total program pool is $750,000.
When is the deadline?
Applications are due July 16, 2026. This appears to be a one-time deadline for this funding cycle.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Review the five eligible project categories early to confirm your project matches. Misalignment with project categories is a common rejection reason.
- Demonstrate clear environmental or engineering benefits of using TDA. Funders prioritize projects showing cost savings and superior performance versus conventional materials.
- Include detailed project plans, timelines, and budget justification. Vague scope or unrealistic budgets weaken competitiveness.
- If you are a for-profit business, document your California operational presence thoroughly. Out-of-state applicants face stricter verification requirements.
- Connect your project to regional stormwater or waste reduction goals where applicable. Strong alignment with California's broader sustainability objectives increases funding chances.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Projects that don't clearly fall within the five eligible categories. Incomplete documentation of California operational presence for out-of-state businesses. Weak cost-benefit analysis showing TDA advantages versus conventional aggregates.
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