Waste Reduction grants — page 2
181 listings tracked right now · page 2 of 4
Grants and procurement for waste prevention, sorting, recycling and recovery. Typical sources are EU LIFE and Horizon, UK DEFRA, national environment agencies, and local-authority waste contracts on the public-tender feeds. Listed below are the open waste reduction grant calls in that landscape, taken from each funder's own notice and re-checked on every refresh.
Industrial grants are capital-heavy and correspondingly slow. The recurring large pots are the EU Innovation Fund, the US Industrial Demonstrations Program, and the UK Industrial Energy Transformation Fund, all of which expect a named site, a credible counterfactual for emissions saved, and matched investment already committed. Smaller circular-economy and waste calls come through EU LIFE, national environment agencies and local authorities, where the eligibility is broader and the cheques are far smaller.
This page lists open waste reduction grants currently tracked by Raise Lens — 181 of them right now, sorted with the soonest deadline first. Every listing has been classified against the sustainability taxonomy rather than matched on keywords, so what appears here is waste reduction work rather than anything whose description happens to mention it.
The funders publishing waste reduction grants here include Alliance to End Plastic Waste, COOPEN, Solve, among 2 others. Who is funding matters as much as what: eligibility, reporting burden and the realistic timeline to a decision vary far more between funders than between individual calls.
Geographic coverage on this page spans GLOBAL, AFRICA, GLOBAL-SOUTH, MENA, MEDITERRANEAN. Eligibility is usually tied to where the work happens or where the applying organisation is registered, and the two are not always the same — worth checking before investing time in an application.
Enabling the Ecosystem
••••• organisation
This grant funds ecosystem-building and multi-stakeholder collaboration across the plastic value chain to advance waste management, recycling, and circular-economy solutions. It targets governments, businesses, civil society, financial institutions, and academia working together at global, national, and local levels.
Open Innovation Challenge: Circular Economy Solutions
••••• organisation
An open innovation challenge funding substantive solutions for circular economy models based on sharing, reusing, and repairing materials. The call targets innovators and organizations collaborating between Italy and Africa to develop new production and consumption systems.
Sustainability Pilot Program
••••• organisation
This is a custom innovation challenge from the funder seeking breakthrough climate technologies in material handling, lower-carbon fuels, and waste optimization to help Amazon reach net-zero carbon by 2040. It targets startups, SMEs, and innovators developing solutions in these three specific decarbonization domains.
Inclusive Plastic Collection
••••• organisation
This grant funds inclusive plastic collection systems that reduce pollution while improving livelihoods for informal waste pickers and workers in the waste sector. It targets circular-economy and social-inclusion outcomes through infrastructure and systems that formalize and support waste collection in developing contexts.
A Major Foundation's Evergreen Fund – Circular Economy
••••• organisation
The funder's Evergreen Fund invests in technology-driven circular economy solutions that convert linear systems into circular ones, including material innovation, advanced recycling, and industrial optimization. The fund targets early-stage companies (Seed to Series A) globally, with geographic emphasis on Europe, US, and India.
Environmental-Cultural Education
••••• Fund
This grant funds environmental-cultural education programs and projects focused on energy, water, waste management, and responsible consumption. Eligible applicants include NGOs, schools, and local governments.
Waste & Recycling Innovation Prize
••••• organisation
This is a topical innovation prize awarded by the funder to teams developing advancements in waste management or recycling that promote sustainability. It targets entrepreneurs and innovators at any stage working on waste and recycling solutions.
Plastic Free Campus and Carbon-Free Campus
••••• Foundation
A free, self-directed online programme that mobilises student action to reduce single-use plastic consumption and carbon footprints at schools, with interventions spanning school, home, event, and community levels. The grant funds implementation of this educational platform across multiple languages to drive behavioural and systemic change on plastic pollution and climate.
Bahr Bala Plastic – Call for Proposals to Combat Plastic Pollution in the Mediterranean
••••• organisation
This call funds proposals to combat plastic pollution in the Mediterranean Sea, supporting organizations working on marine waste reduction and pollution prevention. It targets environmental nonprofits, research institutions, and community groups operating in the Mediterranean region.
AgriFI South Asia Window
••••• organisation
This is an EUR 8 million financing window providing access to capital for agri-food businesses in Sri Lanka, with a focus on organic agriculture, cold chain development, and food processing. The fund aims to reduce food waste and post-harvest losses in the agri-food supply chain.
Research & Innovation Grants
••••• Foundation
This grant funds research and innovation initiatives addressing global water challenges and the transition to sustainability and circular economy, primarily in Denmark. It supports research environments and projects that advance environmental sustainability through innovation.
Increase in Waste Recycling and Valorisation Capacity (01/C12-i02/2025)
••••• organisation
This grant supports projects that increase waste recycling and recovery capacity in Portugal under the Recovery and Resilience Plan's Sustainable Bioeconomy component. It targets organizations implementing circular-economy infrastructure and waste-valorization initiatives.
Funding for Circular Economy Civil Society Organizations
••••• Foundation
The funder funds civil society organizations driving the transition from linear to circular economy models, with emphasis on plastic waste reduction and environmental protection. Eligible applicants are nonprofits and civil society groups working on circular economy and waste-reduction initiatives.
Circular Investments
••••• organisation
The funder is investing in circular economy businesses and models that reduce waste and enable resource circularity aligned with its sustainability goals. The fund targets entrepreneurs and companies developing circular business solutions.
Nuclear Techniques Initiative for Microplastics Monitoring and Radiation-Based Recycling
••••• organisation
NUTEC Plastics is an IAEA-backed initiative that uses nuclear and radiation techniques to monitor microplastics in water systems and develop radiation-based recycling technologies to address plastic pollution. The grant supports organizations working on plastic waste reduction and environmental monitoring through nuclear science applications.
Extended producer responsibility for packaging: become a compliance scheme
••••• Agency
This is a regulatory compliance pathway for organizations seeking approval as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance schemes under UK packaging regulations. It guides producers and scheme operators through registration, responsibility-taking, and ongoing compliance requirements for packaging waste management.
Open Innovation Challenge – Circular Economy
••••• organisation
An open innovation challenge funding substantive solutions for circular economy models based on sharing, reusing, and repairing materials. The programme links Italy and Africa to develop inclusive and sustainable production/consumption alternatives.
Environment & Biodiversity Protection
••••• Foundation
This grant supports environmental conservation and biodiversity protection initiatives, including sustainable agriculture and plastic-reduction programs. It is open to organizations working on habitat protection, ecological restoration, and sustainable food/waste practices.
RIPARU 2025: Preventing plastic pollution in the Mediterranean
••••• Foundation
This grant funds projects working with Mare Vivu to prevent plastic pollution in the Mediterranean Sea. It targets organizations and initiatives focused on ocean conservation and pollution reduction in the Mediterranean region.
Inclusive Collection
••••• organisation
This grant funds inclusive plastic collection systems that reduce pollution while improving livelihoods for informal waste pickers. It targets circular-economy and waste-reduction interventions with a focus on environmental justice and worker dignity in the Global South.
Reusable Systems & Climate Protection
••••• Foundation
This grant supports initiatives and projects focused on sustainable environmental protection, with emphasis on reusable systems and climate protection. It is open to organizations working on circular economy and climate mitigation through sustainable practices.
Great Nigeria Cleanup Waste Management & Recycling Project
••••• Foundation
This grant funds a national waste management and recycling initiative in Nigeria aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and circular economy practices. It is open to organizations working on waste reduction, recycling infrastructure, and environmental management.
Beach Adoption & Cleanup Program
••••• Foundation
This grant funds nationwide beach adoption and cleanup activities to address environmental degradation and support climate action. It is open to organizations willing to adopt and maintain beaches through organized cleanup programmes.
a China agrifood-technology venture fund
••••• organisation
Early-stage venture fund investing in agriculture and food technology startups addressing challenges in the Chinese food system, including precision agriculture, crop/animal health, nutrition, waste reduction, and sustainable ingredients. Eligible for pre-revenue and prototype-stage agrifood-tech companies.
Aquassistance Support
••••• Foundation
This grant supports Aquassistance, an NGO run by SUEZ employees, to fund water access, sanitation, and waste management projects in developing regions. The funder backs humanitarian and development projects that improve essential services in underserved communities globally.
The Ocean Cleanup – Mumbai Interceptor
••••• Foundation
This grant funds deployment of The Ocean Cleanup's Interceptor technology to capture plastic waste in Mumbai's waterways before it reaches the ocean. It is a partnership opportunity for organizations working on ocean pollution reduction and plastic waste interception in high-impact waterways.
a US venture capital fund
••••• organisation
Venture capital fund investing in early-stage companies developing breakthrough innovations in healthcare, environmental solutions, clean energy, water, green chemistry, agriculture, and waste reduction. Targets founding teams with 20+ years of combined experience.
A Global Circular Economy Venture Fund
••••• Fund
A global venture capital fund investing in growth-stage companies advancing circular economy innovation, including new materials, recycling, packaging, and clean technologies. Eligible companies operate across North America, Europe, and Asia and must demonstrate traction in circular business models or waste/resource efficiency.
Growth-stage food entrepreneurs reducing waste and emissions
••••• organisation
The funder invests in growth-stage food entrepreneurs developing solutions to reduce waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, improve nutrition, and enhance resource efficiency. The fund targets small and mid-sized enterprises scaling sustainable food-system innovations.
BlueTech for Waste
••••• organisation
BlueTech for Waste is a call for blue technology solutions that address waste management challenges, likely targeting ocean-related or water-based waste problems. The grant supports cleantech innovators developing waste-reduction technologies with potential ocean or coastal applications.
A Sustainable Impact Fund & Investments
••••• organisation
The funder invests in purpose-driven, sustainable companies at pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages through angel investments or dedicated funds, focusing on circular economy and ESG-aligned businesses across People, Products, and Planet verticals. The fund targets entrepreneurs building solutions in sustainability sectors including circular economy, waste reduction, and social enterprise.
Water & Sanitation
••••• Foundation
This grant funds sanitation infrastructure, menstrual health management, water conservation, and waste management projects in indigenous and rural communities. It targets nonprofits, community groups, and local organizations working on water and sanitation access in underserved regions.
A South Asian Agricultural Development Financing Window
••••• organisation
An EUR 8 million financing window supporting agriculture sector development in Sri Lanka, with focus on organic farming, cold chain infrastructure, and food processing to minimize post-harvest losses. Eligible applicants include agricultural enterprises, processors, and value-chain actors seeking growth capital.
Green Business Competitions for MSMEs
••••• organisation
This grant funds MSMEs in Ghana working on green business solutions across renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate-smart agriculture, and waste management, offering 6 months of business development support plus up to $11,000 in grant funding. Eligible participants must be micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises with viable green business models.
Supporting The Green Economy Of A West African Nation
••••• organisation
SURGE supports small and medium-scale entrepreneurs in Ghana to develop profitable climate mitigation and adaptation solutions across renewable energy, agriculture, waste, and water sectors. The program also builds public awareness and strengthens Ghana's policy environment for low-carbon economic transition.
Social Business Incubator & Accelerator
••••• organisation
This is an incubator and accelerator programme that funds social businesses developing environmental solutions to address the climate crisis, with support for scaling globally. It targets entrepreneurs and early-stage ventures across multiple sectors and geographies.
Waste To Wonder
••••• organisation
This grant funds the transformation of discarded tyres and waste materials into resource facilities serving underserved communities across South Africa, combining environmental protection with social equity. Eligible applicants can access funding to build circular-economy infrastructure that addresses both waste management and community development.
A circular-economy investment fund focused on mid-market circularity investments, targeting established waste-reduction pioneers
••••• organisation
Summa Circular is a dedicated investment fund that provides equity capital to companies building circular economy and waste-free solutions across Europe. The fund targets businesses enabling the transition to a circular economy through innovative waste-reduction and resource-recovery models.
Solid Waste Management
••••• Foundation
Grants for projects that address waste management challenges through litter reduction, recycling, and sustainable waste solutions. Eligible for nonprofits, social enterprises, community groups, and local authorities working on circular economy and waste reduction in the Lamu region or East Africa.
Waste Valorisation Investment
••••• organisation
The funder invests in high-value waste valorisation solutions for the aquaculture sector, converting waste streams into profitable products while reducing environmental impact. The fund targets entrepreneurs, SMEs, and companies developing circular-economy innovations in aquaculture waste management.
A Sustainable Luxury Collections Initiative
••••• Foundation
ViaTalenta Collections funds a luxury product line that integrates sustainable supply chains, circular-economy principles, and talent development with traceable, zero-waste manufacturing. The grant supports organizations building responsible, economically viable sustainable products.
Green'er – Circular Alternative to the Silo Tire
••••• Foundation
This grant funds the development of a circular product to replace silo tires using recycled tire materials, advancing circular economy and waste reduction. It is open to organizations capable of executing a product development trajectory in this space.
From Plastic Bricks to Classrooms
••••• Foundation
This grant funds the conversion of plastic waste into building materials to construct classrooms in Côte d'Ivoire, combining environmental conservation with education infrastructure. It is a partnership programme between the funder and UNICEF targeting communities in West Africa.
Plastic Free: Mountain to Sea
••••• Association
This grant funds conservation projects addressing plastic pollution across mountain-to-marine ecosystems, aligned with EOCA's two-year thematic priorities. Eligible projects must demonstrate measurable conservation impact and typically target nonprofits, charities, and conservation organizations working on pollution reduction and biodiversity protection.
Ocean-Focused Circular Economy Fund
••••• organisation
The funder's Ocean Fund invests in early- to growth-stage companies and infrastructure that prevent ocean plastic pollution and advance circular economy models for plastics in high-growth markets. The fund targets South and Southeast Asia with a focus on circular plastic supply chains.
Plastic Reborn: A cooperative effort to promote responsible plastic waste management and circular economy principles in…
••••• Foundation
This grant funds a four-phase cooperative programme in Indonesia to advance responsible plastic waste management and circular economy principles through behavior change, ecosystem strengthening, and youth engagement. It targets coastal communities, informal waste collectors, and educational institutions as primary beneficiaries.
Cartons for Good
••••• Foundation
This grant funds organizations that reduce food loss and improve nutrition access by transforming surplus food into shelf-stable packaged products using SIG carton technology, while recycling empty cartons to complete a circular supply chain. Eligible applicants work at the intersection of food security, nutrition, and waste reduction.
Funding for Circular Economy & Plastic Waste Reduction
••••• Foundation
The funder funds civil society organizations working to transition from linear to circular economy models, with explicit focus on plastic waste avoidance and reduction. Grants support environmental organizations advancing circular-economy practices and plastic-waste solutions.