Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP)
Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP) supports local governments, groups, businesses, and individuals in waste reduction, recycling, and education projects to reduce waste and landfill disposal in Iowa.
Funder: Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: January 2, 2027 (January cycle; next business day if weekend) | July 1, 2027 (July cycle)
Funding Amounts: Forgivable, zero-interest, and 3% interest loans; minimum 25% cash match per funded budget line
Summary: Supports projects that reduce solid waste generation and landfill disposal in Iowa through waste reduction, recycling, and education.
Key Information: Applicants must send their completed application to their solid waste planning area for review before submitting to DNR.
Description
The Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP), administered by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Land Quality Bureau, provides competitive financial assistance for projects that reduce solid waste generation and divert materials from Iowa sanitary landfills. Selection emphasizes the tonnage of waste avoided or reduced, project sustainability, and the ability to replicate successful approaches.
Supported project types include source reduction, research and demonstration, collection and processing, reuse and repair, composting and anaerobic digestion, recycling market development, and public education. Assistance can support equipment, educational materials and events, recycled-content products, construction or renovation, laboratory analysis, engineering or consulting, and project-related salaries. Salaries are not a high funding priority. Separate application packages apply to requests below $25,000 and requests of $25,000 or greater.
