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Trash Free Waters

  • Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Grants: Transforming U.S. Recycling and Waste Management

    EPA recently announced the availability of $100 million in grants for recycling infrastructure and recycling education and outreach projects across the country. EPA has published two Requests for Applications (RFAs) for new recycling infrastructure grants (State and Territory Grant Program and Political Subdivisions Grant Program) and education and outreach grants. The new grant programs support improvements to local waste management systems and recycling education and outreach, meeting Congress’ goal to create a stronger, more resilient, and cost-effective U.S. municipal solid waste recycling system.

  • Release of Stormwater and Solid Waste Management Project Summary Report

    TFW partnered with the National Municipal Stormwater Alliance, KCI Technologies and the American Chemistry Council to explore the status, challenges, and potential solutions to address aquatic trash in the context of stormwater and solid waste programs. The partners have just released a summary report of learning from several stakeholder engagements held on this topic - “Reducing Aquatic Trash Though Stormwater and Solid Waste Management: Project Summary Report.”

  • South Atlantic Strategy Funding Compendium

    The South Atlantic Strategy (SAS) Funding Compendium (xlsx) (271.06 KB) compiles known grants, funds, and searchable databases that could help support SAS project implementation. This living resource includes both nationwide funding opportunities and those specific to NC, SC, GA, and FL. 

  • Report on Priority Microplastics Research Needs: Update to the 2017 Microplastics Expert Workshop

    The EPA Trash Free Waters Program has updated the 2017 Microplastics Expert Workshop (MEW) report to assist the scientific research and funding communities in identifying information gaps and emerging areas of interest within microplastics research. Read the Report on Priority Microplastics Research Needs: Update to the 2017 Microplastics Expert Workshop

Most of the trash that pollutes our rivers, lakes, estuaries, and oceans comes from sources on land.  Plastic trash, in particular, threatens human health, aquatic ecosystems, and the economy. EPA’s Trash Free Waters program is reducing the volume of trash entering our waters by working with partners to implement collaborative solutions that target land-based sources. View the EPA Trash Free Waters Brochure (pdf) (3.03 MB)   or Trash Free Waters Program Factsheet (pdf) (6.8 MB, May 2022, EPA-842-F-22-001)  to learn more. 

Join the Trash Free Waters Email List: Sign up and gain access to Trash Free Waters newsletters, updates, and event invitations.

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Learn About Aquatic Trash

  • What is Aquatic Trash?
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Last updated on November 17, 2022
United States Environmental Protection Agency

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