Recycling grants are available to give local communities the resources they need to create, expand, or enhance recycling programs. The Nebraska Recycling Council has grant funds of up to $25,000.00 for the purchase of recycling equipment. Funding for these grants is provided by the Nebraska Environmental Trust. Any Nebraska organization, including schools, municipalities, and other government entities, nonprofit organizations, and recycling companies are eligible. Funding for the Recycling Equipment Grant program has not been approved beyond June 2026, making now an important time to apply.
The Nebraska Recycling Council and Nebraska Environmental Trust have been instrumental in getting the recycling program up and running in Stuart, Nebraska. Nearly twenty years ago, they helped fund a materials baler to kick off Stuart’s program. Since then, Recycling Equipment Grants have helped with obtaining a skid steer to move and load bales, a bunker to contain glass, and most recently, a 40-foot utility trailer for storage and hauling of recyclables. “The Nebraska Recycling Council and Nebraska Environmental Trust have been great partners and resources for not only jump-starting, but ensuring the success of our program,” said Mark Stracke, Stuart Village Clerk. Applications are continuing to be accepted and are reviewed on a monthly basis. More information can be found at nrcne.org or by contacting the Nebraska Recycling Council at 402-436-2384.
Another program that is supporting local recycling initiatives is the NexTrex Recycling Challenge. Partnering with various organizations, including communities, counties, schools, and civic groups, the Trex company is providing support to help increase plastic bag and film recycling, keeping the material out of local landfills. Items accepted include grocery bags, bubble wrap, plastic shipping envelopes, and food storage bags – materials that are typically not recyclable. The NexTrex program helps with collection, education, and incentives for participation. Interested groups can find more details at the website, nextrex.com.
For many communities, the biggest barrier to improving recycling isn’t motivation; it’s funding. These grant opportunities provide a practical way to close that gap and strengthen recycling access in rural Nebraska.
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