National Tribal Waste Management Peer Matching Program

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EPA coordinates the National Tribal Waste Management Peer Matching Program, which aims to strengthen Tribal capacity and develop sustainable waste management programs. Peer matches are voluntary, structured opportunities for Tribes and Alaska Native Villages who are working on similar issues to exchange experiences and practical knowledge through a mentoring program. This program allows Tribes and Alaska Native Villages to address a specific challenge, such as designing and supervising construction of a transfer station.

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Program Overview

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program authorize EPA to provide technical and financial assistance to Tribes in developing and implementing Tribal waste management programs.

Peer matching can be an effective mechanism for Tribes to promote best waste management practices as well as to build sustainable waste management programs consistent with the requirements of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. As a result, EPA established the National Tribal Waste Management Peer Matching Program.

Definition of “Peer Match”

Under this program, a peer match is a voluntary exchange of information and best practices between Tribes. A Tribe with expertise provides technical assistance to a Tribe with defined program development or implementation technical assistance needs in that same subject area. Upon agreeing to participate in a match, the Tribe with technical expertise (the “mentoring Tribe”) mentors the Tribe(s) requesting assistance (the “mentee Tribe”). The mentoring process is intended to complete a specific technical task such as conducting a waste characterization study, designing and supervising construction of a transfer station, writing an Integrated Waste Management Plan, establishing a fee collection system, establishing enforcement codes, etc. Peer matching can be a productive and cost-effective method for Tribes to provide technical assistance to each other on a wide range of waste- related topics.

Peer Matching Process

Do you have technical expertise you would like to share?

If you would like to participate in the National Tribal Waste Management Peer Matching Program as someone who can provide technical assistance to Tribes and Tribal consortia please complete the Request for Participants form.

Peer matching is a collaborative process between Tribes where matches are based on an identified need and is supported by EPA Headquarters and regions. The following is a four-step process that Tribes should use when volunteering to participate in EPA's National Tribal Waste Management Peer Matching Program:

  1. The Tribe completes the Request for Participants Form.
  2. EPA identifies a Tribal peer match with the appropriate expertise and confirms his/her availability to mentor or provide technical assistance to a Tribe. In addition, EPA may ask a few questions to further assess the Tribe's needs. EPA provides contact information to both Tribes.
  3. The Tribes will work collaboratively to define and address the needs of the Tribe requesting assistance.
  4. As requested, EPA provides facilitation (e.g., periodic conference calls and/or meetings) or other support to ensure that project goals are met.

All matched Tribes are expected to maintain regular communication and follow through with the volunteered commitment for assistance.

Success Stories

Cherokee Nation assists the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians with building a solid waste and recycling program, developing compliant forms, code regulations and littering and illegal dumping protocols.

Santee Sioux Nation assists the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes with solid waste burning ordinances and enforcement options.

Download or print copies of these success stories:

Available Funding

Limited funding for peer matches made under the National Tribal Waste Management Peer Matching Program may be available.

Indian Environmental General Assistance Program

EPA provides IGAP grants to federally recognized Tribes and Tribal consortia for planning, developing, and establishing environmental protection programs in Indian country, as well as for developing and implementing solid and hazardous waste programs on Tribal lands. Tribes interested in serving as technical assistance providers or recipients as part of the National Tribal Waste Management Peer Matching Program should submit a Request for Participants Form to EPA (refer to the information below for process). Once the Participant Form is reviewed by EPA for eligibility and completeness it will be shared with the Headquarters IGAP program. The Headquarters IGAP program will share the information with the appropriate regional office who will work with the IGAP grantee to submit a peer match project proposal under the applicable fiscal year the applicable fiscal year IGAP.

These IGAP proposals should identify the Tribe(s) that will participate in the program and benefits from providing/receiving technical assistance under the grant. They should also specify the specific program development milestones that will result from the project consistent with the Guidance on the Award and Management of General Assistance Agreements for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia. Beneficiaries of the peer match should have waste program development goals as part of their EPA-Tribal Environmental Plan under IGAP.

Frequent Questions

  1. When is it appropriate to request support through the Peer Matching Program?
  2. Who are the Peer Mentors?
  3. What is EPA's role in the Peer Matching Program?
  4. How does the Peer Matching Program work?
  5. How does the Peer Matching Program relate to the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program?
  6. What is the process for participating in the Peer Matching Program?
  7. How do I apply for a Travel Scholarship?
  8. Does EPA provide funding for any other Tribal waste management peer matching activities?

When is it appropriate to request support through the Peer Matching Program?

Peer matches work well when the Tribe requesting a mentor:

  • Has identified a specific challenge, such as development of an Integrated Waste Management Plan or waste enforcement codes, construction and operation of a transfer station, recycling facility, landfill, or best practices for pollution prevention, recycling programs, etc.
  • Is approaching a key decision point in the design or implementation of a solution.
  • Has limited funding for travel or associated costs for formal training.
  • Anticipates the project will be completed within a one-year timeframe.

Who are the Peer Mentors?

Peer mentors are Tribal environmental personnel who can provide expertise and experience to Tribes requesting mentoring. Mentors volunteer to participate in the program.  A mentor is not intended to take the place of a general contractor, consultant, or other services that are traditionally paid positions.

What is EPA's role in the Peer Matching Program?

EPA Headquarters, in collaboration with EPA regions, facilitates matches and works with the matched Tribes throughout the mentoring process. This may include facilitating communication and providing support as agreed upon by the two Tribes. As available, EPA can provide information on available funding to support the program, such as through the IGAP.

How does the Peer Matching Program work?

Through facilitated discussion, the mentor and the mentee work together to carefully analyze the questions at hand and develop viable options for action. In this way, peer matches capitalize on the knowledge and expertise of people intimately working on environmental issues to protect human health and the environment. As always, peer matches are voluntary.

How does the Peer Matching Program relate to the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program?

Peer matching facilitates the sharing of waste related best management practices which directly supports building thoughtful and efficient Tribal program capacity, an underlying goal of the IGAP. This sharing of information can also lead to undertaking integrated waste management implementation activities that are proven to be effective in Tribal communities.

What is the process for participating in the Peer Matching Program?

  1. The Tribe completes the Request for Participants Form.
  2. EPA identifies a Tribal peer match with the appropriate expertise and confirms his/her availability to mentor or provide technical assistance to a Tribe. In addition, EPA may ask a few questions to further assess the Tribe's needs. EPA provides contact information to both Tribes.
  3. The Tribes will work collaboratively to define and address the needs of the Tribe requesting assistance.
  4. As requested, EPA provides facilitation (e.g., periodic conference calls and/or meetings) or other support to ensure that project goals are met.

All matched Tribes are expected to maintain regular communication and follow through with the volunteered commitment for assistance.

How do I apply for a Travel Scholarship?

For information on applying for a travel scholarship, please contact Claire Nichols at TribalPeerMatch@epa.gov.

Does EPA provide funding for any other Tribal waste management peer matching activities?

EPA does not provide funding for any other Tribal waste management peer matching activities through the Peer Matching Program. Funding is only intended to be used for travel expenses.

Resources

Contact Us

Contact name: Claire Nichols
Phone number: (202) 566-0861
Email: TribalPeerMatch@epa.gov

You may also use the form below to send us comments and questions. Be sure to include your email address if you would like a response.

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Last updated on April 2, 2025