2026-27 School Carton Recycling Program Grant

Overview

The Carton Council works to expand the collection, sorting, and end markets for food and beverage cartons across the United States and Canada. One important way to strengthen carton recycling is by supporting schools in establishing and improving recycling programs to recover more recyclable cartons.

Through this grant program, the Carton Council provides financial assistance to K-12 schools to help implement, expand, or enhance carton recycling programs in cafeterias and other areas where food and beverage cartons are consumed. In 2026, the program will prioritize schools located in communities with newly available or recently expanded carton recycling access, helping to reinforce these programs and ensure cartons are consistently captured and recycled.

Funded projects support real-world recycling by increasing participation and ensuring cartons are successfully recovered and delivered to recycling end markets where they can be made into new products.

Eligible Projects

Projects that support the collection, recovery, and education of carton recycling in schools may be considered for funding. Examples include:

• Purchase or installation of cafeteria recycling stations or bin systems
• Signage and labeling to improve correct recycling behavior
• Education and outreach programs
• Development of student-led recycling initiatives or “green teams”
• Program expansion to additional schools within a district
• Improvements to existing recycling systems to include cartons
• Other activities that increase the capture and proper recycling of cartons

Projects should result in increased recovery of cartons generated within the school as part of existing recycling programs. Applicants must be located in communities with existing carton recycling access – please check your local access here before applying.

Funding Guidelines

Flexible grant amounts are available, depending on project scope and anticipated impact. Awards are considered on a case-by-case basis. Funding decisions are based on factors including but not limited to:

• Alignment with residential recycling access growth, including new or recently expanded carton recycling access
• Estimated increase in carton recovery and student participation
• Number of students and schools impacted
• Strength of the proposed education and engagement plan
• Cost-effectiveness of the proposed project
• Project readiness and ability to implement within the 2026-27 school year

The Carton Council may fund a portion of project costs rather than the full project amount.

Eligibility

Applicants must represent a K–12 school, school district, or school system. Eligible applicants include:

• Public or private K–12 schools
• School districts or boards of education
• School administrators, sustainability coordinators, or facilities staff applying on behalf of a school or district

Schools must be located in a community where food and beverage cartons are accepted for recycling and must demonstrate access to a recycling program that includes cartons. Applicants should verify recycling access through a local recycling provider or the Carton Council’s carton recycling locator.

Project Timeline

Applications will be accepted from May 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026.

Once submitted, applications will be reviewed by the Carton Council team. Applicants may be contacted for additional information or clarification during the review process.

Award notifications are expected in Summer 2026, with funded projects implemented during the 2026-27 school year.