Waste Reduction Sponsorships

Sponsorship Requirements

All projects seeking sponsorship from Washtenaw County must further the goals of the Solid Waste Plan. Goal are listed below and available on page 9 of the plan. 

1. Reduce the overall amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated per capita in Washtenaw County by 5% in the year 2022 and by 10% in the year 2027, with a target of working towards zero waste. 
2. Increase municipal solid waste diversion rates from current levels (33%) to 38% in 2022 and 43% in 2027, with a target of 100% diversion.
3. Develop, support, and monitor comprehensive education, outreach, and feedback programs to achieve the goals of this Plan.
4. Ensure the safe, lawful and efficient management of municipal solid waste.
5. Operate collaboratively within the County and regionally outside of the County for a comprehensive sustainable materials management strategy.

Sponsorship Types

All sponsorships have a minimum match requirement of 50% of project costs - more details available in the application process document linked above. The minimum match can even be calculated from the cost of staff or volunteer time! 

• Small - $4,000 or less in sponsorship requested; total project $8,000 or less
• Medium - $4,000.01 to $9,999.99 requested, total project $8,000.01-$19,999.99 
• Large - $10,000 to $200,000 requested, total project $20,000 and above

Projects which significantly expedite progress toward the goals of the Solid Waste Plan can be eligible for additional funds. Please contact the Public Works Manager at 734-222-6864.

Expenditures made prior to the sponsorship agreement cannot be counted towards the match requirement.

Deadlines

Small and medium sponsorship applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Large sponsorship applications must be received between December 1st and Dec 31st at 11:59 p.m. to be considered for the following year. Large sponsorships received during the current year will be considered if funds allow.

Small sponsorships should apply at least two months in advance of their anticipated project or program. Allow two to three weeks for questions about your application. A further three to four weeks is needed for the contract to be signed, to register as a vendor through the County, and to comply with insurance requirements. 

Medium and large sponsorships should apply approximately three months in advance of their anticipated project or program for all the reasons above in addition to needing to be reviewed and approved by two Washtenaw County committees.

Awardee Quarterly Reporting Form

Waste Reduction Sponsorship Project Highlights

• Ypsilanti Township, 2022. Distributed over 15,000 curbside recycling carts to all single- and two-family residences.
• 2022 Municipal Clean-Up Events. Hosted clean-up events for residents to drop off items like electronics, household hazardous waste, tires, scrap metal, and bulky waste
  • Bridgewater Township
  • City of Milan
• Recycle Ann Arbor Eco-Park, 2021. Conducted a gap analysis for the Recycle Ann Arbor Eco-Park location to determine priorities and evaluate infrastructure and markets.
• Emmanual Lutheran Church, 2022. Be3 (Big-Boldacious-Bold) Congregational Recycling Initiative. Expanded recycling options at seven congregations to include household batteries, plastic film, foam, and chip bags.