Providence, Rhode Island, is starting to see tangible results from multiple organics and recycling programs funded by federal grants. This work was spurred by $3.34 million from the U.S. EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant program awarded in 2023, as well as $255,850 from a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant awarded in 2024. Now, multiple years in, the city has funded new vehicles, carts and other infrastructure. Back in November 2023, Mayor Brett Smiley described the EPA funding as a big opportunity to advance sustainability efforts. “By helping divert food waste, in particular, from the waste stream we can extend the life of our Central Landfill, but also help meet our climate justice goals,” he said at a November 2023 Northeast Recycling Council event. Smiley noted this would also help address recycling issues. “We know that we've got a major education gap to fill with residents and business owners. The recycling rates in the city of Providence are quite low [and] there's a very clear equity gap in terms of which neighborhoods recycle and how.” Commercial recycling One unique aspect of Providence’s grant-funded programs is free commercial recycling service, which is still coming to fruition. In his NERC speech, Mayor Smiley noted this idea was driven in part by “a problem with overflowing dumpsters” that “degrades the quality of life” in certain commercial areas with a lot of restaurants. The SWIFR grant, which has funding until January 2027, helped fund the purchase of a rearload recycling collection truck for approximately $200,000. This truck is run by the city’s Department of Public Works and initially focused on offering free service in two neighborhoods. Federal Hill and the West End were chosen for their high density and proliferation of restaurants. Participants can receive two to three carts, which will be collected