Foam Recycling Coalition opens 2021 grant period

The Foam Recycling Coalition (FRC), Falls Church Virginia, has opened its grant submission process for 2021 to support recycling of packaging made from foam polystyrene (PS). The FRC, which is part of the Foodservice Packaging Institute, says it provides grants to applicants looking to start or strengthen a postconsumer foam PS recycling program.

“During the past six years, the Foam Recycling Coalition has awarded nearly $780,125 in grants to communities and recycling businesses in the United States and Canada,” says Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute. “Over 6.3 million more people can now recycle foam polystyrene directly due to these partnerships and investments.”

FRC says the initiative helps fund for the collection, processing and marketing of products made from foam PS. It targets postconsumer foam PS products, which includes foodservice packaging as well as other forms of packaging like egg cartons, meat trays and protective packaging for shipping items. Both public and private organizations involved in managing residential drop-off and curbside recycling programs of material recovery facilities (MRFs) are eligible to apply for funding.

The FRC distributes up to $50,000 for each grant, and grant amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis, dependent upon equipment needs. Although no cash match is required, additional costs may be incurred by the grantee for related items, such as site preparation, provision of conveying system, electrical infrastructure, freight and other installation costs. Grantees are required to communicate the addition of foam PS in their recycling program, both directly to households and in their regular communication materials. Grantees must also commit to collecting, processing and marketing foam PS for a minimum of three years, which includes reporting on the volumes to FRC.

According to a news release from FRC, a list of past grantees and to the 2021 equipment grant application can be found online. For 2021, applications must be submitted by May 28 for priority consideration. FRC says it will announce 2021 grant recipients throughout the year.