Project Classifications

• Waste Management Modernization project: provides funding assistance for a business or organization that plans to improve its approach to solid waste management through modernization activities. Projects involve best practices in solid waste management including (a) source reduction activities that prevent the generation of solid waste, and (b) waste reduction activities that recycle or reuse industrial byproducts or other solid waste materials.
  
• Market Expansion Modernization project: provides funding assistance to modernize key functions in a business or organization that manufactures recycled-content products or uses recyclable commodities in providing a service. The purpose is to increase the use of recyclable commodities, thereby expanding markets for these materials. Projects may also involve technical issues that are unique for companies planning to convert their operations to use recyclable commodities in manufacturing or service delivery.
  

Levels of Service

• Assessment Service: provides funding assistance for a business or organization to obtain valuable information that will be used to implement changes that support REM Program goals. Grant funds are used for contractual technical services and consultant fees. An assessment service reviews the feasibility and benefits of various improvement options, while analyzing and diagnosing problems, identifying opportunities, and recommending priority actions for improvement.
  
• Demonstration Service: provides funding assistance for the development or demonstration of an innovative new technology, practice or product that supports REM Program goals. Projects may involve a technology, practice or product that has not been demonstrated in Illinois or in particular regions of the state. Projects will not involve widely commercialized technologies or practices that are considered standard industry practice. Funding assistance may also be provided for procurement/demonstration projects involving the purchase and demonstration of recycled content products.
  
• Implementation Service: provides funding assistance for capital equipment required for the implementation of new procedures or systems. Capital equipment must be advanced to the commercialization stage, and is available “off-the-shelf.” The proposed procedures or systems must facilitate the attainment of REM Program goals.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible applicants:  for-profit businesses, governmental entities, colleges and universities, and not-for-profit organizations.
• Eligible project types:  Waste Management Modernization or Market Expansion Modernization.
• Applicant investment (match) requirement:  minimum of 25% of total project cost, in cash.
• Eligible materials:  municipal solid waste such as plastics, fiber (paper and cardboard), glass, wood, construction and demolition waste, and others (note:  materials classified as hazardous or special are not eligible).
• Eligible project expenses:  determined by the specific REM level of service, but may include capital equipment and/or consultant services.  
• Ineligible project expenses:  routine operating expenses; purchase, rental or remodeling of real property (land or buildings); rolling stock, and other items.

Funding Parameters

A maximum funding level is established for each level of service. DCEO reserves the right to determine the actual grant amount based upon the level of funding available, the Department’s priorities, and the merits of a specific application with regard to REM Program goals.

* Level of Service *	* Maximum Funding *
Business Waste Assessment Service	$10,000
Assessment Service	$30,000
Demonstration Service	$150,000
Implementation Service	$250,000

Project Evaluation Criteria

Each eligible application is independently evaluated based on criteria that includes:

• Applicant/company capacity for REM project management
• Applicant’s level of need for state assistance (financial need, competitiveness need)
• Potential impact on materials diversion
• Potential impact on improved performance or competitiveness of applicant and/or Illinois recycling industry
• Potential public economic benefit (job retention and creation; project location)
  

Contact:
Mike Motor
217/524-0933
michael.motor@illinois.gov