Close the Loop Waste Reduction Grants

Small grants. Practical solutions. Real waste reduction.

Close the Loop is a reimbursable grant program that helps Iowa organizations overcome the last barriers to reusing or recycling materials that would otherwise end up in the landfill. Funded by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the program supports simple, actionable projects — things like transportation, storage, preparation or material handling — that make waste reduction possible right now.

Administered through Iowa Waste Exchange (IWE), Close the Loop focuses on closing gaps in reuse and recycling systems so materials can stay in productive use longer — saving money, conserving resources and supporting a more circular economy across Iowa.

What Close the Loop Supports

Close the Loop funding is designed to remove specific, practical obstacles that prevent reuse or recycling from happening. Grants can support projects that:

Enable source reduction and reuse
Prepare materials for reuse or recycling
Improve access to existing recycling or recovery streams
Help organizations meet recycler or reuse partner requirements

Projects are typically small in scope but high in impact — focused on solving one clear problem with a sustainable, replicable solution.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include Iowa-based:

Businesses and industries
Nonprofit organizations
Schools and educational institutions
Cities, counties, and other governmental entities

Projects must be developed in collaboration with an IWE Area Resource Specialist, who will help identify the barrier, confirm feasibility and ensure the solution aligns with reuse or recycling best practices.

How to Apply

The application process is intentionally simple. Applicants submit a brief online form describing:

The material and barrier
The proposed solution
Estimated costs
Expected outcomes

Before applying, applicants must consult with an IWE Area Resource Specialist.

APPLY NOW

(Application opens February 1, 2026, and remains open until funds are expended.)

Grant Details at a Glance

Award amount:
Up to $2,000 per project

Grant period:
Up to 6 months

Match required:
No (unless total project cost exceeds the award cap)

Availability:
One award per applicant per state fiscal year

Connect With A IWE Rep

Close the Loop Frequently Asked Questions

What types of projects are a good fit for Close the Loop?

Close the Loop supports practical, near-term solutions that remove specific barriers to reuse or recycling — such as transportation, storage, preparation or material handling costs. Projects should be clearly defined, achievable within six months and result in measurable waste reduction.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include Iowa-based businesses, industries, nonprofit organizations, schools, and governmental entities. In some cases, a government or nonprofit organization may sponsor or serve as the lead applicant for a project.

How much funding is available?

Grants are awarded for up to $2,000 per project. Matching funds are not required unless the total project cost exceeds the maximum award.

Is this a competitive grant?

Yes. Applications are reviewed based on cost-effectiveness, feasibility, sustainability, measurable impact and how clearly the proposed project removes a specific reuse or recycling barrier.

Do I need to work with the Iowa Waste Exchange before applying?

Yes. Consultation with an IWE Area Resource Specialist is required before submitting an application. This step helps ensure your project is eligible, clearly defined and positioned for success.

How many grants can an organization receive?

Organizations may receive one Close the Loop award per state fiscal year (July 1–June 30).

When does the application open and close?

Applications open February 1, 2026, and remain open until available funds are fully awarded. Early application is encouraged.

How are funds distributed?

Close the Loop grants are reimbursable. Funds are issued after approved project expenses are incurred and documented, in accordance with the grant agreement.

What reporting is required?

Grant recipients submit a brief final report within 30 days of project completion. Reporting includes:

A summary of activities
Outcomes (such as pounds diverted or cost savings)
Photos (when applicable)
Invoices and a grant expense form

Who administers the program?

Close the Loop is funded by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and administered by Region XII Council of Governments on behalf of the Iowa Waste Exchange, a free, confidential and non-regulatory program.