DEQ received $197 million from the Environmental Protection Agency for the Climate Equity and Resilience Through Action, or CERTA, grant in October 2024 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, housing, transportation, and waste, while providing economic and health-related benefits to surrounding communities.
Background
According to the EPA, food waste is the single largest source of methane generation in landfills, accounting for 58% methane generation. Increasing food waste processing capacity will significantly improve Oregon's ability to recover a larger percentage of wasted food. DEQ's CERTA Measure 11: Food Waste Processing Infrastructure Grant includes two funding opportunities launching in September 2026.A recording of the full webinar presentation and an FAQ document will be posted once available.
Large-scale projects
$25 million in funds are available to purchase equipment to increase food waste processing capacity. DEQ anticipates funding 18-20 projects, with a maximum grant award of $2M.
Eligible Applicants:
- DEQ-permitted (or Tribal) composting and anerobic digestion facilities currently accepting food waste and interested in expanding operations to accept additional food waste
- DEQ-permitted (or Tribal) composting/anerobic digestion facilities that currently do not accept food waste and are interested in expanding/ modifying the facility to include food waste
- Proprietors that are looking to site a new composting or anaerobic digestion facility that accepts food waste
Eligible Expenses:
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Equipment and Installation Costs
- Equipment to increase food waste processing capacity. Examples include, but are not limited to: screeners, grinders, shredders, de-packagers, and below-ground aeration systems.
- Equipment to increase anaerobic digestion capacity. Examples include, but are not limited to: grinders, choppers, pumps, and storage tanks.
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Infrastructure
- Infrastructure associated with improving site operations with the increase in food waste feedstock. Examples include, but are not limited to: electrical service upgrades, piping and blower systems, feedstock receiving areas, and leachate management improvements.
Small-scale projects
$1.7 million in grants are available for projects to increase or improve small-scale composting initiatives that support local food production. Projects must implement local solutions to address gaps in food waste collection by increasing the amount of food waste recovered for composting or anaerobic digestion, in accordance with state and local solid waste laws. DEQ anticipates funding 6 to 20 small-scale projects, with individual project awards ranging from $50,000 up to $249,999. This funding opportunity is available for non-profit organizations, local and Tribal governments, businesses, and educational institutions.
Eligible Expenses
Small-scale composting systems: Equipment or improvements that expand local food waste processing
Collection access: Local drop-off sites and collection pilots in accordance with local and state regulations
End use & markets: Compost procurement and land application tied to local food production, urban farms, community gardens, or regenerative agriculture
Labor and workforce development: Labor costs associated with small-scale installations or skills-based training opportunities
Example projects
Establishment of localized compost drop-off sites for residents or small business
Food waste collection pilot programs for multifamily housing or underserved neighborhoods
Pilot programs for on-site composting systems in schools, institutions, local farms, community gardens or schools
Projects that link compost application directly to local food production efforts
Application Timeline
- Application Period: Sept. 23 - Nov. 19
- Evaluation Period: Nov. 19 - Dec. 21
- Award Period: Dec. 21 - Early 2027
- Grant Period: Early 2027 – March 2029 (All projects must be implemented and complete before March 30, 2029).