Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP)

The Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP) works to reduce the amount of solid waste generated and landfilled in Iowa. Through a competitive process, financial assistance is available for a variety of projects, including source reduction, recycling and education.

The program provides financial assistance in the form of forgivable loans, zero interest loans, and 3 percent interest loans. A 25% minimum cash match is required for each budget line item requesting funding assistance. Projects are selected through a competitive process. Emphasis for selected projects is placed on tonnage avoided or reduced, sustainability and ability to replicate.

Any unit of local government, public or private group or individual is eligible to apply for program funds. Funds can be used for such items as:

  • Waste reduction equipment and installation
  • Recycling, collection, processing, or hauling equipment (including installation)
  • Development, printing and distribution of educational materials
  • Planning and implementation of educational forums, workshops, etc.
  • Purchase and installation of recycled content products
  • Salaries directly related to implementation and operation of the project

Success story highlights

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Application Deadlines

Proposal deadlines – 4:00 PM on the following dates:

  • January 2
  • July 1  

** If any of these dates occurs on a weekend, proposals must be received by 4:00 PM on the next business day.

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SWAP Online Database

Visit the SWAP online database to search for information on past projects funded through SWAP. Follow the link and click “Search Projects” to get started!

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SWAP Application & Forms

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Resources

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Professional Development Assistance (PDA) Program

The Professional Development Assistance (PDA) Program  seeks to support professional development opportunities provided to Iowa citizens in the areas of minimizing of solid waste generation and increasing landfill diversion.

The goal of the PDA program is to provide small financial awards to assist in the development and delivery of technical assistance, public awareness, continuing education and other professional development opportunities to Iowa's solid waste professionals, educators and others directly responsible for such activities as waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and minimization of solid waste generation. The program is administered through the Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP). Any unit of local government, public or private group or individual is eligible to apply for program funds.

Events eligible to apply for PDA funding would include:

  • Workshops
  • Conferences
  • Professional trainings
  • Curriculum delivery to education professionals

Applicant cash match for eligible expenses is required. Funds may be applied towards, but not limited to:

  • Development, printing and distribution of marketing or promotional materials for solid waste related conferences, workshops, training or similar events
  • Development, printing and distribution of of educational materials
  • Speaker fees
  • Facility rental
  • Attendance at solid waste related conferences, workshops, training or similar events

Proposals to the PDA program are accepted on an open basis throughout the year and will be reviewed upon submission of the completed application.

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Project Dashboard

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