DEQ's Guidelines for Litter Prevention and Recycling Grants explain the eligibility requirements, funding process and deadlines that must be met in order to receive both non-competitive and competitive grants.  DEQ encourages all localities to submit their grant applications and accounting and performance reports using the new online myDEQ Application Portal. 

Annual Non-Competitive Grants Program

DEQ provides funds for litter prevention and recycling grants to localities under a non-competitive grant program based on population and road miles. These grants have been awarded annually, since 1980, to localities for local litter prevention and recycling program implementation, continuation, and/or expansion. To date, Virginia businesses, who pay into the trust fund, have contributed over $82 million to support local government litter control and recycling programs.

DEQ will accept non-competitive grant applications for the 2026 grant year starting April 15, 2025. The 2026 non-competitive litter grant application is due by June 30, 2025. 

For the 2025 grant year, $3,233,287 was disbursed among 174 applicants for non-competitive grants and expanded polystyrene campaign activities. All recipients of the 2025 non-competitive grant are required to submit performance and accounting reports by August 1, 2025 for non-competitive grants.

DEQ encourages all localities to submit their grant applications and accounting and performance reports using the online myDEQ Application Portal.  If needed, forms are provided below:

Annual Competitive Grants Program

All localities currently receiving the non-competitive grant are eligible to apply for the competitive grant. The competitive grant funds can be used for implementing statewide and regional litter prevention and recycling educational programs and pilot projects. The amount of funds available for this grant program is approximately 5% of the net resources allocated for the Litter Control and Recycling Fund. 

DEQ will accept competitive grant applications for the 2026 grant year starting April 15, 2025. The 2026 competitive grant application is due by July 15, 2025.

For the 2025 grant year, $180,738 was disbursed among 23 localities that were awarded competitive litter grants. All recipients of the 2024 competitive grant are required to submit performance and accounting reports by August 1, 2025 for competitive grants.

Funding for Public Information Campaigns

The 2021 General Assembly allocated up to 5% of the net resources allocated for the Litter Control and Recycling Fund (Fund) for the operation of public information campaigns to discourage the sale and use of expanded polystyrene products and to promote alternatives to expanded polystyrene in the Commonwealth. Localities applying for the non-competitive litter grant can opt to receive additional funding to implement this campaign.

DEQ encourages all localities to submit their grant applications and accounting and performance reports using the online myDEQ Application Portal.  If needed, forms are provided below:

Grant Program Reporting

At the conclusion of each grant year, grant recipients must submit Performance and Accounting Reports on the activities and expenses for which the grant funds were used. DEQ compiles the information that is submitted by the grant recipients and certified by one of their authorized agents and submits it to the Board for their review and consideration.

2024 Litter and Recycling Grant Program Annual Performance and Accounting Summary Report

The Litter Control and Fund Advisory Board

The Fund Board is appointed by the Governor and consists of five members as follows: one representative for each of the three types of entities required to pay the litter taxes, one local litter or recycling coordinator, and one member from the general public. The fund board meets each year as necessary to track the status of the Fund and the progress of the annual grant programs. 

For any questions about this program, please contact VA-landr@DEQ.Virginia.gov.