Recycling Dividends Program
Forecasted
Recycling Dividends Program supports Massachusetts municipalities with funds for waste diversion and sustainable purchasing, rewarding established practices that reduce waste and advance reuse and recycling.
Funder: Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Prerequisite reports) | June 2027 (Application)
Funding Amounts: Point-based municipal payments; Spring 2026 rates were $420–$10,000 per point, depending on funding level and households served
Summary: Payments recognize Massachusetts municipalities’ implemented waste reduction, reuse, and recycling programs and support approved municipal expenses.
Key Information: Municipal applicants only; private subscription communities must have adopted comprehensive private hauler regulations.
Description
The Recycling Dividends Program (RDP) is offered through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) under the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP). It rewards municipalities for programs and policies already implemented to maximize waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, using a points framework that describes model municipal practices.
Payments reflect qualifying activities and the number of households served by municipal trash programs. Evaluation covers curbside, drop-off, and private subscription communities. Funds support designated goods, services, equipment, and programs that improve waste diversion and sustainable purchasing. The Spring 2027 worksheet expands the framework to 27 possible points, including additional opportunities for food-waste diversion and household hazardous waste collection.
