Flintshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport and Wrexham won their bids for cash for new vehicles, depots and equipment.
Of the four, only Newport failed to hit the target of recycling 52% of rubbish in 2014 but the target is now 58%.
Natural Resources Minister Carl Sargeant said the aim was to achieve a "more consistent universal service across Wales".
Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taff were the worst performers in 2013-14, both recycling less than half of all rubbish they collected.
Recycling efforts by four Welsh councils will be boosted by an extra £3m to help them meet higher targets.