Collaborations
NYSP2I has the partners, core staff, approach, experience, and leadership best suited to deliver impactful results for our client across New York State. Explore our current collaborations with businesses, communities, and nonprofits below to learn more about our work.
Food Waste Reduction and Diversion Reimbursement Program
The Food Waste Reduction and Diversion Reimbursement Program is an innovative partnership between New York State and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) focused on incentivizing the reduction of food waste in the state. The program provides reimbursement to New York State businesses or not-for-profits that generate, haul or recycle large amounts of food waste to offset the cost of select technologies and equipment that promise to reduce or divert that food waste from landfill or incineration.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The application deadline is May 1, 2023.
The application period is now closed.

Eligible projects must meet the following criteria:
- Will result in an increase of food waste diversion from landfill or incineration through the use of equipment or technologies.
Note: Purchases that improve existing food waste diversion methods but do not result in increased amount of food waste diverted are not eligible. - Are led by New York State businesses, not-for-profits, or municipalities that produce, haul, or recycle greater than one ton of food waste per week
- Implemented between June 1, 2017 and April 1, 2023
Upon completion of contract requirements, reimbursement will cover:
- The purchase and installation of eligible equipment and technologies
- Up to 44% of eligible project costs, in most cases not to exceed $100,000
Note: Please download the application in word format (.docx)
Once complete, please email your application to: Ava Labuzetta, Sr Pollution Prevention Engineer allp2i@rit.edu
Inaugural Student and Faculty Research Program
The Inaugural Student and Faculty Research Program is a collaboration between RIT, Binghamton University, Clarkson University, and Cornell University. The program enables students to propose, research, develop, and design solutions to real world environmental challenges by funding student-driven research projects focused on a defined sustainability topic. It is meant to foster creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and collaboration across disciplines.
Untap New York: Sustainable Practices for Craft Beverage Makers

Untap New York is a partnership between NYSP2I and Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The program assists craft beverage makers of all sizes to uncover opportunities for more efficient and sustainable practices when it comes to
- brewing, distilling, and winemaking processes
- water and wastewater use
- energy use
- waste generation
Additionally, Untap New York works closely with businesses to help them discover how moving forward on sustainability can drive market competitiveness.
NYSP2I is proud to be an allied member of both the New York State Brewer’s Association and the Brewer’s Association (national) and a partner of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation.
New York State Golf Course Sustainability Initiative
The New York State Golf Course Sustainability Initiative is a partnership between New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) and Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (Cornell CALS). The initiative is focused on improving the use of best management practices (BMPs) designed to protect water quality, and help golf superintendents incorporate sustainable practices while still providing high quality playing conditions.

The initiative will offer a suite of no-cost digital and print resources tailored to the specific needs of the 200+ courses in Western and Central New York. Resources include:
- Turf webinars
- Scheduled field days
- Golf Course Sustainability infographic poster
- Drought emergency plans
- Nutrient management, and more!