The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Waste Management is now accepting applications for the Debris Recovery & Disposal grant program to help Western North Carolina communities clean up additional debris left by Hurricane Helene.
Funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the American Relief Act of 2025, the DRD program provides up to $18 million in grants to local governments, councils of government and nongovernment organizations. NGOs are eligible for up to $5 million of the allotted funds.
The project period is up to three years with the maximum available award set at $3 million. The application period is open through Sept. 14.
Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, councils of government and nongovernmental organizations within FEMA-declared disaster counties damaged by Hurricane Helene.
Applicants are encouraged to contact the following DWM staff before applying to discuss project eligibility at chris.hollinger@deq.nc.gov, 919.707.8284, jason.watkins@deq.nc.gov or 336.776.9674.
For more information and to apply, visit: deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/environmental-assistance-and-customer-service/recycling-and-materials-management/programs-offered/recycling-support-local-government-and-state-agencies/material-disposal-regulations-and-support/storm-debris-management.