Zero Waste Business Incentives and Rebates

Rebates for food-permitted properties

Expand food donation programs to people or to a charitable food organization

Up to $3,000 in rebates available for: 

• Cold food storage like freezers and refrigerators
• Non-perishable food storage like shelves and bins
• Equipment for transporting food like coolers and vacuum seal bags

Ditch single-use plastic and foam items for reusable and compostable options

Up to $1,800 in rebates available for: 

• Compostable or reusable products to replace single-use plastic and foam alternatives
• Reusable dishware for onsite dining
• Reusable foodware for takeout and receptacles for customers to return
• Reusable foodware items to distribute to employees to reduce waste in the workplace

Start or expand your composting program

Up to $3,000 in rebates available for:

• 12 months of commercial organic hauling service
• Indoor collection bins
• Compostable bags

Start or expand your front-of-house composting operations

Up to $1,350 in rebates available for: 

• Customer-facing organic collection bins
• Educational signs for collection bins
• Compostable bags

Rebates for multifamily properties

Start or expand your composting program at your multifamily property

Up to $3,000 in rebates available for: 

• 12 months of commercial organic hauling service
• Indoor collection service bins
• Compostable bags

Provide recycling, composting and reuse opportunities to employees and residents at multifamily properties

Up to $3,000 in rebates available for indoor recycling and organics bins to distribute to your residents as well as equipment to encourage reuse at your multifamily property. 

Rebates for commercial properties

Start or expand your compost program

Up to $3,000 in rebates available for: 

• 12 months of commercial organic hauling service
• Indoor collection service bins
• Compostable bags

Ditch single-use plastic and foam items for reusable and compostable options

Up to $1,800 in rebates available for:

• Compostable or reusable products to replace single-use plastic and foam alternatives
• Reusable dishware for onsite dining
• Reusable foodware for takeout and receptacles for customers to return
• Reusable foodware items to distribute to employees to reduce waste in the workplace

Improve the diversion rate at your property or business

Up to $1,800 in rebates available for equipment to start a recycling program for plastic film, batteries and e-waste.

Promote shared use diversion containers between multiple affected premises

Up to $3,000 in rebates available for: 

• Building a new enclosure to house shared organics, recycling and landfill containers
• Pouring a new concrete slab to accommodate larger carts and or dumpsters

Apply today!

Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis and there is a limited amount of funding available for each category. The application is open from October 1 to July 1 of each year, or once all funds are allocated. Review the rebate terms and conditions and submit a rebate application.

Who is eligible?

The rebate is available to commercial businesses, non-profits and multifamily properties that meet all of the following criteria:

• Affected by, and in compliance with, the Universal Recycling Ordinance.
• Located within the Austin City Limits, in compliance with Austin City Code, and all tax accounts are in good standing.

What is the process?

There are four steps in the rebate process. You must follow all steps in order.

1. Check eligibility and apply for the rebate

   • Review the rebate terms and conditions and submit a rebate application.

   • Complete an in-person or virtual site visit.

   • Provide the required documentation needed for application approval.

   • Receive application approval.

2. Purchase eligible supplies and/or services

   • Submit payment information and itemized receipts and invoices for pre-approved materials and services.

3. Receive reimbursement check

   • Please allow eight to 10 weeks from the date the payment information is submitted to receive your rebate check.

4. Complete exit interview

   • Complete the exit interview with City staff by phone or in person to discuss successes, challenges and lessons learned from your diversion efforts. 

Rebate limitations

• Rebate cannot exceed $3,000 per eligible location.
• Rebate funding may be used at one property per owning entity or property management company per fiscal year.
• Collection services must be provided through a licensed private hauler.
• Rebate funds are not guaranteed. Rebates are available to eligible participants on a first-come, first-served basis and there is a limited amount of funding available for each category of eligible expenses. Rebate reservations or rain checks are not accepted.

Other restrictions apply.