Eligibility: By statute, all Responsible Units, as defined by s. 287.09(1), Wis. Stats.

Focus: Efficiencies that can be realized after the date of the application

Project Type: Competitive

Methodology: All complete applications postmarked by the deadline will be judged on their individual merits. Applications must state what will be done with the funding requested. DNR staff will rank all projects. Grant funding is limited to 75% of cost of the proposal. By statute, the efficiency grant plus the current regular recycling grant cannot exceed the allowable expenses from two years previous to the grant year.

Criteria: Desirable proposals will demonstrate the greatest combination of the following components describing expected operational and/or administrative efficiency.

• Potential for Cost Savings
  • Percent reduction in overall program costs
  • Reduction in overall program costs (number of dollars)
  • Reduction in cost per ton of recycled material collected and/or processed
• Increased recovery of recyclables, either tons or banned or non-banned materials
• Environmental Benefits
  • Less air pollution from collection trucks
  • Less air pollution from burn barrels
  • Other
• Consolidation of Responsible Units
• Cooperative agreements with other local units of government or private industry
• Risk factors minimized
• One application submitted by several Responsible Units
• Ability to increase revenues
• Leveraging of other funding sources, including the responsible unit's own

Funding Distribution: To the extent allowable by law, grant funds will be awarded to the highest ranked project first, then the second highest ranked project, until all funds are distributed. Partial awards will not be made unless the applicant verifies that the proposed award, when combined with other available resources, is sufficient to complete the project.