A Washington state recycling market development program has funded dozens of small-scale efforts to reduce waste and boost recycling.
The NextCycle Washington program awarded over $400,000 total in seed grants, providing up to $10,000, technical support and growth planning for each recipient, according to a press release. The money comes from King County’s Solid Waste Division, the Washington Department of Ecology and the Washington Department of Commerce.
In April, the NextCycle Washington program announced the winners of its inaugural pitch showcase. Through that competition, in which 14 teams participated, the winners received prizes of $11,750; $10,000; and $5,000. The teams had already received months of business and technical support, mentoring and planning to accelerate their projects, according to a release.
Launched in 2022, the NextCycle Washington program is modeled off similar efforts in Michigan and Colorado.
