Recycling: CCRRA’s mini-grant program returns for Round 2. How to apply
I am so excited to announce the return of the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority (CCRRA) Recycling Mini-Grant Program! This year, Round Two, is aimed at supporting projects that enhance recycling education and improve the collection of materials processed by CCRRA.
These are reimbursement-based grants and are made possible through the sale of recyclable commodities, with funding levels determined by the previous year’s market performance. The grants are intended for small to mid-sized projects and are a great opportunity for local organizations to make a measurable impact on recycling in Centre County.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to: municipalities within and around Centre County, local businesses and organizations, recycling haulers, schools (K–12 and post-secondary), health care institutions and nonprofits.
Applicants must be in compliance with their municipality’s solid waste ordinances. Joint applications are welcome and may be considered for larger awards. However, recycling processors, brokers, and transportation companies are not eligible to apply.
Grant details
Round Two award amounts range from $1,000 to $20,000 with total project costs between $2,000 and $40,000. A 50% cash match is required. Let’s say you want to add more recycling bins to your business and the cost is $2,000. This grant would match half and you would only pay $1,000 for the bins and CCRRA would match the other $1,000.
These grants are reimbursement-based, with funds distributed upon submission of receipts and proof of payment. Please note that these funds are not intended to replace Act 101, Section 902 municipal grant funding.
Important dates
Applications due: Friday, Oct. 31, 2025
Award announcements: Dec. 1, 2025
Project completion deadline: Dec. 31, 2027
Final reimbursement paperwork due: April 1, 2028
Progress reports due: One year after grant funds are distributed
All applications will be evaluated competitively based on criteria outlined in the official program guidelines.
Last year’s award recipients included the following entities, projects and funding:
• State College Borough; Public On-Street Recycling Container Replacement: $11,380
• Centre Region Council Of Governments; Public Parks Recycling Container Replacement and Education: $8,220.50
• Penn State; Recycle Coach Web & Mobile Education App: $15,000
• Penn State; Dormitory Recycling Container Program; $3,405
• Ferguson Township Lions Club; Re-paving/Widening Public Drop Off Recycling Location: $6,750
If you or your organization is ready to launch a project that improves recycling access, increases public awareness, or upgrades collection systems, now’s the time to act. For full guidelines and application materials, visit www.centrecountyrecycles.org.
Give us a call at 814-238-7005 or email mcooper@centrecountyrecycles.org to discuss your ideas or find out if a project is a good fit. We’re excited to offer this great grant program and hope our local entities take full advantage of it.
Amy Schirf is education coordinator for the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority. Contact her at aschirf@centrecountyrecycles.org.