Recycling Dividends Program (RDP)
Forecasted
Recycling Dividends Program (RDP) supports Massachusetts municipalities by funding approved materials-management expenses and rewarding established programs that advance waste reduction, reuse, and recycling.
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Prerequisite surveys and spending report) | June 2027 (Application)
Funding Amounts: Payments calculated from waste-diversion points and households served; matching funds not required
Summary: RDP rewards Massachusetts municipalities for implemented waste reduction, reuse, and recycling programs and funds approved materials-management expenses.
Key Information: Private-subscription communities must have adopted comprehensive private hauler regulations.
Description
The Recycling Dividends Program (RDP) is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) through its Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP). It provides payments recognizing specific waste reduction, reuse, and recycling programs and policies that Massachusetts cities and towns have already implemented. Awards support approved solid waste and recycling expenses rather than unrestricted municipal spending.
The program uses a tiered point system covering waste-diversion activities, with criteria for curbside, drop-off, and private-subscription communities. Allocations also reflect the number of households served by the municipal trash program. Municipalities must substantiate claimed activities, report expenditures annually, and may be audited by MassDEP.
