Waste Reduction grants — page 3
181 listings tracked right now · page 3 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 Subnational Climate Fund (SCF) – Pegasus Capital Advisors, Reichmuth & Co Investment Management AG, Austin Technology Incubator, 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-SOUTH, AFRICA, ASIA, LATAM, GLOBAL. 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.
Subnational Climate Fund (SCF) – Investment Fund
••••• Fund
An investment fund managed by Pegasus Capital Advisors that deploys capital into mid-sized infrastructure projects in sustainable energy, waste and sanitation, and nature-based solutions across developing countries. The fund targets subnational climate-resilient and low-carbon projects with measurable SDG impact, backed by a Green Climate Fund first-loss tranche of up to USD 150 million.
Unlisted Infrastructure Investment Vehicles
••••• organisation
Four unlisted infrastructure funds offering institutional investors access to European and Swiss infrastructure assets in energy, transport, and waste sectors, with explicit focus on sustainable infrastructure supporting energy transition and decarbonisation. Targets institutional capital deployment into operational and development-stage infrastructure projects.
Circular Economy Program
••••• organisation
This is an incubation program for entrepreneurs and startups developing circular economy solutions, including design, reuse, and resource efficiency innovations that address global challenges. The program provides support and resources to early-stage ventures in the circular economy space.
Climate Leadership Grants Cameroon
••••• Fund
This grant empowers young climate leaders in Cameroon through training in climate resilience, plastic waste reduction, and environmental justice initiatives. It provides up to $10,000 in funding for projects addressing climate adaptation and circular economy challenges.
Green Fund Senegal
••••• Fund
The Green Fund Senegal supports community-led innovation projects focused on clean energy, youth tech education, women-led recycling, and circular economy initiatives. It targets grassroots organizations and social enterprises in Senegal with grants up to $10,000.
Youth-Led Grants for Plastic Pollution Solutions
••••• organisation
A youth-led funding initiative supporting innovative solutions to plastic pollution through the Global Plastic Action Partnership. The grant targets young leaders and organizations developing actionable strategies to reduce plastic waste and environmental contamination.
Million Mile Clean
••••• Foundation
This grant funds community-led plastic waste removal initiatives from coastlines and waterways, with a partnership model that includes the funder guests participating in guided beach cleanups on Scottish Isles expeditions. It supports organizations working on marine plastic pollution and coastal conservation.
130th Year Mission – Anniversary Grant Cycle
••••• Foundation
A 2026 grant cycle from the funder targeting five strategic partners working on ocean conservation, wildlife protection, plastic waste reduction, and community development, funded through charity auctions and the Green Stay programme. Grants aim to raise €130,000 per ship for initiatives aligned with environmental and social impact goals.
A US investment firm's catalytic capital and private credit approach
••••• organisation
The funder deploys catalytic capital and private credit (loans up to $10M) to circular economy companies to finance equipment, expansion, and infrastructure. This targets established or growth-stage circular-economy businesses in waste reduction, composting, food-waste, and plastics-packaging sectors.
a US circular-economy venture fund
••••• organisation
Closed Loop Ventures is a venture capital fund investing in early-stage companies building circular economy solutions across plastics & packaging, textiles, food & organics, and enabling technologies. The fund targets startups and entrepreneurs developing business models and technologies that reduce waste and extend product lifecycles.
Promotion of Circular Economy and Soil Protection Measures (Funding Principles – Circular Economy and Soil Protection)
••••• organisation
This grant supports municipalities in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany with funding for circular economy material flow management, waste reduction, and soil protection/remediation measures. Eligible projects include waste investigations, contaminated site assessments, and remediation of formerly used land, with priority given to innovative or model-character initiatives.
Promotion of Projects for Optimizing Operational Resource Efficiency and Advancing Circular Economy (Guidelines "Operational Resource Efficiency")
••••• organisation
This grant supports SMEs and research institutions in Lower Saxony pursuing operational resource efficiency and circular economy projects, including machinery investments, product redesign, and feasibility studies. Funding is provided through EU regional development funds and state co-financing to reduce waste, improve material recycling, and advance circular production processes.
Promotion of Resource Conservation and Efficiency Measures in Enterprises – GreenInvest Ress
••••• organisation
GreenInvest Ress funds German enterprises (particularly in Thuringia) to improve resource conservation, efficiency, and waste reduction through consulting services, investment projects, and demonstration initiatives. The programme supports circular economy transitions, sustainable material substitution, and emissions reduction across production processes.
State Economic Programme 2021–2027 – Promotion of the Transition to a Resource-Efficient Circular Economy (Circular Economy Guidelines)
••••• organisation
This German state economic programme funds the transition to resource-efficient circular economy practices and business models. It supports organizations implementing circular economy and waste-reduction initiatives across the economy.
Circular Bioeconomy Europe Joint Undertaking
••••• organisation
The Circular Bioeconomy in Europe (CBE JU) is a joint undertaking funding research, innovation, and deployment projects that advance circular bioeconomy solutions across Europe. It supports organizations developing sustainable bio-based products, processes, and value chains that reduce waste and environmental impact.
Catalysing Capital
••••• organisation
This grant catalyses public and private finance towards plastic circularity solutions by partnering with financial institutions to structure tailored financial mechanisms. It targets organizations and consortia working on circular economy and waste management solutions that can leverage or co-create innovative financing structures.
Solutions for Change Projects
••••• organisation
The funder funds test-bed and demonstration projects that advance plastic circularity through economically viable, environmentally beneficial, and socially responsible solutions worldwide. The grant supports organizations implementing circular-economy and waste-management approaches to plastic challenges globally.
Pollution & Hazardous Waste
••••• organisation
FFEM funds pilot projects addressing pollution and hazardous waste challenges, including ozone-layer protection, in developing nations. The grant targets environmental remediation and pollution control interventions in the Global South.
"Cu Apele Curate" (Clean Waters) grants programme
••••• organisation
Lidl Romania funds environmental projects that reduce plastic pollution in the Danube River and its tributaries through a grants programme. The call supports nonprofits, social enterprises, and community groups working on water quality and waste reduction in Central/Eastern Europe.
Circular Economy & Plastic Waste Reduction Funding
••••• Foundation
The funder funds civil society organizations driving the transition from linear to circular economy models, with emphasis on practical plastic waste reduction solutions and cross-sector collaboration. Grants support initiatives that combine environmental action with transparency and multi-stakeholder partnerships.
Terra Next: An ecosystem enabling programme focused on sustainability and circular economy, connecting startups and companies
••••• Programme
An ecosystem enabling programme that connects startups and companies through open innovation to advance sustainability and circular economy solutions. The programme facilitates collaboration between early-stage ventures and established firms to scale circular and sustainable business models.
Waste To Wonder Campaign
••••• organisation
This grant funds the transformation of discarded tyres and waste materials into resource facilities and infrastructure for South African communities. It targets environmental protection and community equality through circular-economy and waste-reduction interventions.
Sport bez odpadu 2026: Vratné kelímky
••••• organisation
This grant supports sports clubs in introducing reusable cups and reducing single-use plastic waste at sporting venues. It is designed for sports organizations seeking to implement circular-economy and waste-reduction practices.
Sustainable Living
••••• organisation
This grant funds innovation projects that advance circular economy principles, build climate and community resilience, and promote sustainable lifestyle adoption. It targets organizations and innovators working on systemic sustainability transitions.
Compost Hub Workshops
••••• organisation
This grant funds community-led workshops on composting and zero-waste practices, advancing circular economy and waste reduction. It targets community groups and environmental justice organizations seeking to build local capacity in sustainable waste management.
Waste Diversion Management Consortium
••••• Foundation
This grant funds a consortium of 10+ waste-management start-ups addressing Lebanon's waste crisis through coordinated waste diversion and circular-economy initiatives, including a pilot project in Hazmieh. It targets early-stage companies working on waste reduction and resource recovery in the MENA region.
Inclusive Circular Economy
••••• Foundation
This grant programme funds inclusive and circular economic models that reduce waste while improving livelihoods for disadvantaged communities. It targets organizations implementing circular-economy and waste-reduction interventions with a social-inclusion lens.
Plastic Brand Audits
••••• organisation
This grant funds corporate accountability initiatives that audit major brands for plastic pollution and drive advocacy to reduce plastic waste. It targets nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and research groups working on ocean health and corporate responsibility.
Halting the Impact of Microfibres on Human and Planetary Health
••••• organisation
This grant funds research and projects aimed at understanding and reducing microfibre pollution's effects on human health and marine ecosystems. It targets organizations working on ocean health, pollution mitigation, and the intersection of environmental and human health impacts.
A European sustainable packaging venture capital fund
••••• organisation
ESPIF is a venture capital fund investing in sustainable packaging and materials innovations, targeting companies developing low-carbon and circular-economy solutions in the packaging sector. The fund is subject to SFDR disclosure requirements, indicating institutional-grade sustainability governance.
General Grants Programme
••••• Foundation
The funder's General Grants Programme provides ongoing funding for projects addressing wildlife conservation, marine plastic pollution, and community development across 25 countries. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, charities, and community groups working on endangered species protection, ocean health, and local resilience.
130th Anniversary Grant Cycle
••••• Foundation
The funder's 130th Anniversary Grant Cycle distributes €130,000 per ship through charity auctions and donations to five strategic partners working on ocean research, marine conservation, plastic waste reduction, community support, and education. Eligible organizations focus on ocean conservation, marine research, and environmental impact aligned with the funder's blue-economy priorities.
In-Stream Trash Removal
••••• organisation
This grant funds volunteer-led and operational efforts to remove litter and debris from the Chattahoochee River and its watershed, improving water quality and ecosystem health. It is open to organizations and groups capable of organizing or executing in-stream cleanup operations.
Solid Waste
••••• organisation
This grant provides technical assistance to rural communities to improve solid waste management systems and practices. It targets nonprofit and community organizations serving underserved rural areas seeking to build capacity in waste infrastructure and sustainability.
Environment, Water and Wastewater
••••• organisation
Technical assistance program providing support for environmental, water supply, and wastewater infrastructure projects in rural and tribal communities. Eligible applicants receive hands-on guidance to develop and improve water and environmental systems.
Grassroots Grants Program
••••• organisation
This grant program funds grassroots organizations working to challenge throwaway culture and build circular, regenerative economic systems that benefit communities and ecosystems. Eligible applicants are community-based groups aligned with the funder's mission on consumption, waste, and systems change.
Conservation Youth Program
••••• organisation
Conservation Crew (CREW) is a competitive youth-focused conservation program that funds projects selected through awards and public voting. It supports conservation initiatives across land, water, climate, energy, and waste sectors.
Zero Waste Academy (ZWA)
••••• organisation
Zero Waste Academy is a movement-led training program that builds capacity among citizens, policymakers, and organizations to implement zero waste solutions through practical tools, scientific knowledge, and political frameworks. It targets regionally grounded implementation of waste reduction and circular economy practices.
Member Organization Grants
••••• organisation
GAIA distributes approximately $2.6 million annually to member organizations worldwide to support local environmental justice efforts, zero waste implementation, and anti-incineration campaigns. This grant is for member organizations working on waste reduction, climate justice, and environmental justice initiatives globally.
PR3: The Global Alliance to Advance Reuse
••••• organisation
This grant accelerates the scaling of reuse systems globally through standardization efforts, targeting circular economy and waste reduction. It funds organizations working to advance reuse infrastructure and standardized practices across supply chains.
Plastic Pollution
••••• Foundation
This grant funds organisations and coalitions working to reduce single-use plastic pollution through consumer awareness campaigns and business engagement to eliminate single-use plastics from supply chains. Eligible applicants take a dual approach combining environmental advocacy with practical, business-friendly alternatives.
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, startups, and innovators working on waste and recycling solutions.
Diag Eco-Flux
••••• organisation
Diag Eco-Flux is a diagnostic and advisory programme that helps SMEs and mid-market companies reduce operational costs and environmental impact by identifying and acting on losses in energy, materials, water, and waste across multiple sites. Participating companies receive 7 days of expert consultation over 10 months, structured in five phases, with an average realised savings of €60,000 per site annually.
AQ1: Automatic slurry scraper
••••• organisation
This grant funds the purchase and installation of automatic slurry scraper equipment for eligible farms, reducing manual labour and improving manure management efficiency. It is targeted at agricultural producers in England who meet the funder's eligibility criteria.
Energy Environment Loan
••••• organisation
The funder's Energy and Environment Loan provides flexible debt financing for renewable energy projects (wind, solar, biomass, hydro, geothermal) and energy efficiency initiatives, supporting both new construction and refinancing of existing assets. The programme offers VAT pre-financing, subsidy pre-financing, and equity relay options for companies developing renewable energy infrastructure and environmental projects.
Overseas Investment Subsidy
••••• organisation
This grant provides subsidies to businesses in French overseas territories for capital investments that reduce environmental impact and energy consumption, aligned with the Trajectoire Outre-mer 5.0 sustainability objectives. Eligible enterprises can fund projects addressing waste reduction, carbon neutrality, agricultural pollution, and social inclusion.
RENOCICLA programme
••••• Institute
Programa RENOCICLA funds the establishment of recycling and second-life facilities for renewable energy equipment (solar panels, wind turbine blades, batteries) and innovation projects in eco-design of renewable energy capital goods. The grant supports circular economy advancement in Spain's renewable energy sector through non-repayable subsidies totaling €100 million.
Zero Waste Mining And Critical Minerals
••••• organisation
This grant funds research and innovation projects focused on zero-waste mining practices and sustainable extraction of critical minerals. It is targeted at organizations in Finland working on mining technology, circular economy solutions, and resource recovery.