DETCOG Regional Solid Waste Program
Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) conducts a Regional Solid Waste Program under contract from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The program is operated by DETCOG Staff under the guidance of the Regional Solid Waste Advisory Committee and the DETCOG Board of Directors.
Current Regional Opportunities
The FY 2025 Regional Solid Waste Grants Program, administered by the Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG), offers funding to support local and regional solid waste management initiatives. Grants are available for projects such as local enforcement, litter cleanup, recycling, source reduction, household hazardous waste management, and more. DETCOG provides technical assistance for preparing grant applications, ensuring your project aligns with regional waste management goals.
Key Program Details:
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Funding Amount: Since 2020, successful grants have ranged from $5,000 to $14,000.
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Grant Deadline: 4:30 p.m., Monday, October 28, 2024.
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Eligible Projects: Local enforcement, litter and dumping cleanup, recycling, solid waste management plans, household hazardous waste management, and more.
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Insurance Requirement: Liability insurance is mandatory for all projects.
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​DETCOG offers technical assistance to help applicants plan and submit strong grant applications, supporting efforts that contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable region. Find the application here.
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For assistance or questions, contact:
Andrew Harmon
Assistant Executive Director
(936) 634-2247 ext. 5310
aharmon@detcog.gov
FY 2025 Regional Solid Waste Grant
Historical Regional Solid Waste Grant Awards
Environmental Cleanup & Protection
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DETCOG administers a Regional Solid Waste Grant Program which is funded by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This program has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into local projects for environmental cleanup, recycling, and community beautification. From 2010 through 2023 the program has provided more than $1 Million to fund local projects. In the latest completed funding cycle, grants were awarded for recycling,
illegal dumping cleanup, household hazardous waste management and local litter/dumping enforcement.
DETCOG Regional Solid Waste Plan
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As required under the TCEQ Contract, DETCOG is responsible for preparing and maintaining a
20-Year Regional Solid Waste Plan. The current plan was accepted by TCEQ in 2023.
DETCOG Regional Closed Landfill Inventory
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Deep East Texas Council of Governments maintains a “Closed Landfill Inventory” for its
Region. The information in these documents can be
accessed by contacting Andrew Harmon by phone at: (936) 634-
2247 ext. 5310 or by email at: aharmon@detcog.gov
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Publications
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The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) maintains an online library of
publications, some able to be downloaded, related to their programs and environmental issues.
These publications can be accessed by contacting Andrew Harmon by phone at: (936) 634-
2247 ext. 5310 or by email at: aharmon@detcog.gov
Where the money comes from...
​The Regional Solid Waste Grants Program is funded by revenues collected through municipal solid waste fees, or “tipping fees,” paid at landfills and appropriated by the legislature during each regularly scheduled session.
Statutorily, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) receives a portion of these funds, and a portion is allocated to the COGs for local and regional projects. Our allocation is based on a formula that considers population, area, solid waste fee generation, and public health needs