Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP)
Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP) supports local governments, groups, and individuals in Iowa with waste reduction, recycling, reuse, and education projects to divert waste from sanitary landfills.
Funder: Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: January 2, 2027 (Application) | July 1, 2027 (Application)
Funding Amounts: Forgivable loans, zero-interest loans, and 3% interest loans; minimum 25% cash match per funded budget line item
Summary: SWAP supports projects that reduce solid waste generation and divert waste from Iowa sanitary landfills.
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 reliance on Iowa sanitary landfills. It supports local governments, public and private groups, and individuals with an interest in or responsibility for solid waste management in Iowa.
Supported work includes source reduction; research, development, and demonstration; material collection and processing; reuse and repair; composting and anaerobic digestion; market development; and public education. Projects may develop new waste-reduction processes, expand recycling capacity, extend materials’ useful lives, or increase demand for recovered recyclables. Selection emphasizes waste tonnage avoided or diverted, project sustainability, and replicability.
