The application deadline for the Hurricane Helene Recovery Recycling Infrastructure Grant program has been extended to February 20, 2026. The grant, administered by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service (DEACS), aims to support repairs in regions affected by Hurricane Helene.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded DEQ a $25 million grant as part of a larger $61 million package. This funding supports recycling infrastructure, debris cleanup, pesticide removal, and brownfields development. More details can be found on the NCDEQ Hazardous Waste Management State Program Support Grant webpage.
A Request for Proposals was released on October 16, 2025. In response to recent winter storm impacts, DEACS extended the application deadline to allow more time for local governments to submit proposals.
“The updated deadline is 5 p.m., February 20, 2026. Due to the competitiveness of this funding, eligible local governments are strongly encouraged to submit proposals by this deadline.”
Grants are intended for local governments in Western North Carolina that experienced damage from Hurricane Helene. Projects should focus on building resilience and preparedness within recycling and composting systems.
“Local governments located within the Hurricane Helene FEMA disaster declaration (D-4827) are eligible to apply. A full eligibility list is included in the RFP.”
Funds may be used for building or repairing facilities and infrastructure related to recycling and composting, purchasing equipment, or conducting feasibility studies and engineering designs aimed at diverting materials from landfills.
Examples of possible projects include constructing or improving transfer stations or material recovery facilities; enhancing bulk collection systems; upgrading convenience centers; establishing household hazardous waste programs; expanding composting operations; and purchasing collection vehicles or containers.
Applicants can request up to $5 million per proposal but may only submit one proposal each. No matching funds are required if all activities meet eligibility criteria.
For further information about HRRI funding opportunities or assistance with applications, interested parties can visit the DEACS webpage or contact Matt James at (919) 707-8142.
The Department of Environmental Quality serves as a state agency responsible for regulating and protecting North Carolina’s natural resources across air, land, water, and coastal environments (official website). It provides services such as environmental law enforcement, permit issuance, waste management oversight, public education initiatives promoting stewardship statewide (official website), and maintains its central office in Raleigh (official website).
