Program Overview and Eligibility

What is the Business Food Waste Mitigation Grant Program?

The Business Food Waste Mitigation Grant Program is an initiative administered by Empire State Development designed to reduce business-generated food waste sent to landfill and combustion facilities through capital investments in food waste recycling infrastructure, ultimately reducing associated greenhouse gas emissions.  

What is the funding available for the program? Does this program require a cost share?

$2 million in capital grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, with a minimum award of $50,000 and a maximum award of $750,000. Successful applicants may receive a grant reimbursing up to 50% of the costs of the approved project, not to exceed the award amount. 

What types of projects are eligible for this program and what are some eligible costs?

Successful business food waste mitigation projects are those that will expand food waste recycling infrastructure in the State to reduce commercial food waste sent to landfill and combustion facilities. Projects may include building new or expanding existing organics recycling facilities to accept food waste from businesses and expanding fleet services to collect commercial food waste destined for recycling. 

Eligible costs may include machinery and equipment directly related to the project, including associated engineering, shipping, and professional installation costs. Eligible capital equipment will cost at least $10,000 per unit and may include compactors, depackagers, windrow turners, in-vessel composting systems, forklifts, loaders, and trucks. Improvements to real property may be eligible when the costs are integral to the project outcomes. 

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible entities are New York municipalities (including special districts as defined by NYS Real Property Tax Law) or non-profit / not-for-profit organizations applying on behalf of themselves or they may apply on behalf of one for-profit New York State business (co-implementor). Businesses cannot apply directly for funding.  

Eligible entities are New York municipalities (including special districts as defined by NYS Real Property Tax Law) or non-profit / not-for-profit organizations applying on behalf of themselves or they may apply on behalf of one for-profit New York State business (co-implementor). Businesses cannot apply directly for funding.

Can an eligible entity apply on behalf of a small aggregation of co-implementors?

No, an eligible entity would only be able to apply on behalf of one co-implementor per application and each application must meet the eligibility requirements independently and not as part of an aggregation of applications.

Can an eligible entity submit more than one application on behalf of co-implementors?

Yes, an eligible entity can submit more than one application, however, each application is limited to one co-implementor and will be reviewed independently. 

How can I apply? When are applications due?

Eligible applicants seeking funding under the program will be required to complete an application through the NYS Consolidation Funding Application (CFA). ESD will accept applications until 4:00 pm on October 9, 2026. 

What costs would be ineligible for funding?

• Costs incurred prior to receiving a funding award
• Consultant fees for services such as preparing an application, writing reports, measuring results or performing R&D 
• Education and outreach expenses
• Project management expenses
• Technologies, practices and equipment solely intended to achieve compliance with any NYS or local environmental conservation laws or regulations 
• In-kind costs 
• Permit fees
• Costs incurred prior to award
• Energy production, recovery, conservation, and efficiency 
• Municipal waste treatment projects, such as water or sewage treatment facilities
• Projects with outcomes that occur only once
• Equipment warranties
• Lobbying, religious, or political activities 

Are projects obligated to mitigate a minimum amount of food waste?

No, there is no minimum required. Competitive projects are those that align with the program priorities:

• expand infrastructure in the State supporting food waste recycling from businesses in a geographic area where no or limited commercial waste recycling exists; 
• divert the most food waste from landfill and combustion facilities resulting in greenhouse gas emissions being avoided; and
• have a clear plan for accepting/collecting commercial food waste and distributing end products such as compost.

What is the contract term and will interim payments be made as project elements are completed? 

Projects awarded for funding will enter into a two-year contract with ESD. The contract will outline a disbursement schedule for the Eligible Entity and will include a maximum of two disbursements per calendar year, or a total of four disbursements for the two-year contract term. 

How does reimbursement work when there is a co-implementor arrangement?

In instances where there is a co-implementor, project expenditures are initially paid by them. The co-implementor submits financial and reporting documents (i.e. - invoices, receipts, copies of checks, banking statements, etc.) to the Eligible Entity, who submits the documents to ESD as a disbursement request. There is no need for an exchange of funds from the Eligible Entity to the co-implementor. ESD reimburses up to 50% of the total project cost, not to exceed the awarded amount, to the Eligible Entity. The Eligible Entity then disburses the ESD funds to the co-implementor.