The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service (DEACS) is now accepting applications for the Helene Recovery Recycling Infrastructure (HRRI) Grant Program, which supports western North Carolina communities in rebuilding and strengthening waste reduction and recycling systems following Hurricane Helene.
Funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the American Relief Act of 2025, the HRRI program provides up to $25 million in grants over multiple phases. Local governments may apply for up to $5 million per project, with no local match required.
“Hurricane Helene created mountains of debris and damaged recycling and waste collection infrastructure,” said DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson. “These grants will help local governments rebuild and expand recycling and composting systems, which will prolong the life of landfills and create jobs. We appreciate EPA for making the funds available as quickly as possible.”
Application Details
- Application Period (Phase 1): Open through January 30, 2026
- Project Period: Up to 3 years
- Maximum Award: $5,000,000
- Match Requirement: None
- Total Funding Available: $25,000,000
Eligible applicants include local governments—counties, municipalities, councils of governments and solid waste authorities—within FEMA-declared disaster counties impacted by Hurricane Helene (DR-4827).
Eligible projects may include but are not limited to:
- Construction or improvement of recycling or composting facilities
- Development of regional collection (hub-and-spoke) systems
- Upgrades to convenience centers or household hazardous waste programs
- Purchase of recycling trucks, containers, or carts
- Related feasibility studies or education and outreach
Funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis and cannot be used for salaries, administrative costs or contracted collection services.
How to Apply
Submit one electronic copy of your proposal to Matt James at matt.james@deq.nc.gov (Word or PDF format). Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis through January 30, 2026, with early awards possible.
Applicants are encouraged to contact DEACS staff before applying to discuss project eligibility:
Matt James: matt.james@deq.nc.gov, (919) 707-8142
Sandy Skolochenko: sandy.skolochenko@deq.nc.gov, (919) 707-8147
For more information and to apply: https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/environmental-assistance-and-customer-service/recycling-and-materials-management/programs-offered/grants-local-governments/helene-recovery-recycling-infrastructure-grants