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CleanBC Plastics Action Fund

Program Category: Environment, Community Infrastructure
Program Sub-Category: Economic Development, Innovation, Waste Reduction and Circular Economy
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Status: Open

Funder

BC Ministry of Environment and Parks (ENV)

Deadline Details

The online expression of interest (EOI) will be open for the Indigenous Projects and Regional Plastics Innovations funding streams until all funds have been subscribed. The expected deadline is January 2025.

Funder Organization Type

  • Indigenous Organization
  • Other
  • Non-Governmental Organization or Society

The CleanBC Plastics Action Fund supports plastic waste reduction projects in British Columbia to promote a circular economy through reuse, and repair initiatives, recycling and remanufacturing.
 
First launched in 2020, the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund has played a pivotal role in addressing the pressing issue of plastic waste in British Columbia. With total investments to date exceeding $13 million, the fund has provided critical financial support to more than 30 projects. 
 
The current phase of the Plastics Action Fund seeks to provide over $20 million in funding to further support the prevention and reduction of plastic waste, while developing the circular economy in British Columbia.
 
The CleanBC Plastics Action Fund will support new projects that fall under four main funding categories:

  • Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Category (PCR) - closed for applications

  • Circular Economy Innovation Category (CEI) - closed for applications

  • Regional Plastics Innovation Category (RPI) - open for applications

  • Indigenous Projects Category (INDG) - open for applications

Eligible Community

Indigenous communities are eligible for all categories.
 
  • Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Category (PCR)
  • Circular Economy Innovation Category (CEI)
  • Regional Plastics Innovation Category (RPI)
    • Must be located and registered within communities located outside of the Metro Vancouver and Capital Regional Districts. 
    • Communities with populations under 25,000 located within the Metro Vancouver and Capital Regional districts can request an exemption during the EOI application process.
  • Indigenous Projects Category (INDG)
    • Communities
    • Schools, childcare, and other educational institutions
    • Band stores
    • Indigenous economic development organizations
    • Indigenous owned and operated businesses

Required Community Contribution

Community contribution required (please see program website)

  • A minimum of 20% contribution

  • The applicant contribution may come from: 

    • Applicants’ own funds, including funds obtained through financing. 

    • Funds from not-for-profit organizations, such as development trusts. 

    • Funds from project partners. 

    • Other government sources (federal or provincial). 

    • In-kind contributions 

Funding Stacking Restrictions

No

Application Limit per Community

1

Professional Input Required

No

Specific Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Requirements - General Conditions
All eligible applicants and organizations must adhere to the following conditions:
 

  • Applicants must agree that the qualified expenses are used solely towards their project which aims to achieve one or more of the expected outcomes outlined in the funding categories (see Program Guide).

  • Applicants must participate in an audit, if selected. The audit will require that receipts and invoices of the eligible expenses be submitted for review. 

  • Applicants must participate in a follow-up survey to demonstrate the outcomes resulted from the Program. Only aggregate results will be made public. 

  • Applicants may only make one submission per organization.

All eligible applicants and organizations must be majority owned by a B.C. resident(s), have sole or primary operations in the Province of British Columbia, and meet the following conditions:

  • Is currently in operation. 

  • Is registered in B.C.

Other Eligible Applicants

Indigenous-owned Businesses
Businesses / For-profit
Indigenous Organizations
Non-governmental Organizations / Not-for-Profits

Not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous organizations are eligible for all categories. 
 
Additional eligibility criteria is as follows:

  • Regional Plastics Innovation Category (RPI)

    • Provide development support and project financing for start-up and early-stage organizations in communities outside of the Capital Regional District and Metro Vancouver.

    • Eligible organizations must be located in communities outside of the Metro Vancouver and the Capital Regional Districts or within communities with a population of less than 25,000. 

  • Indigenous Projects Category (INDG)
    • Communities
    • Schools, childcare, and other educational institutions
    • Band stores
    • Indigenous economic development organizations
    • Indigenous owned and operated businesses

Type of Funding

  • Capital
  • Financing
  • Non-repayable Contribution

Range of Funding Available per Project

  • Under $100 000
  • From $100 000 to $1 000 000
  • Over $1 000 000

Description of Funding

Expected project funding ranges differ by category as follows:
 
  • Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Category (PCR)
    • $250,000 - $1,200,000
  • Circular Economy Innovation Category (CEI)
    • $150,000 - $750,000
  • Regional Plastics Innovation Category (RPI)
    • $100,000 - $250,000
  • Indigenous Projects Category (INDG)
    • $75,000 - $150,000
 

Percentage of Project Funded

80%

Applicants under the Post Consumer Recycled Plastics (PCR) and Circular Economy Innovation (CEI) funding categories must provide a minimum of 33% contribution (maximum funding of 66% of project costs).
 
Applicants under the Indigenous Projects (INDG) and Regional Plastics Innovation (RPI) funding categories must provide a minimum of 20% contribution(maximum funding of 80% of project costs).

Eligible Costs

Capital Costs
Community Engagement
Equipment/Material Purchase
Staff Costs
Capacity Building for the Community
Training
Awareness and Education

  • Capital expenditures related to the project.

  • Salary costs for project specific labour 

  • Retrofit costs to enable the project.

  • Contractor or partner organization fees

  • Equipment installation costs

  • Freight or transportation charges

  • PPE

  • Marketing & media-related expenses*

  • Education, outreach and capacity building

Ineligible Costs

Any costs incurred prior to signing a funding agreement
Building Purchase Costs
Land Acquisition

  • Expenses incurred for activities before the project start date

  • Operating expenses

  • Attendance fees for tradeshows, conferences, and industry events

  • Salary costs for general staff 

  • General website or IT upgrades

  • Hosting an existing website 

  • Credit card processing fees 

  • Packaging materials for product shipping and related shipping costs 

  • Real estate capital purchases

  • Purchase or lease of private/personal vehicles

  • Labour costs associated with ongoing operations

  • Travel and hospitality for staff or contractors

  • Structural renovations not specific to the project 

  • Feasibility studies

  • Plastic collection, transportation, or depots

Reporting Requirements

Progress reports and final reports

Expected Timeframe for Funding Decision

By March 2025