Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ)
This program, in partnership with CalRecyle, combines economic development with recycling to provide financially attractive incentives for new businesses, expansion of existing facilities, job creation, and reducing the waste stream headed to landfills. RMDZ's benefit the community in the following ways:
- Stimulate the attraction and expansion of recycled-content product manufacturers into the community;
- Decreases in commodity prices due to the reduction in logistics costs;
- Decrease community dependence on landfills;
- Assist local municipality with meeting state mandated landfill diversion rates, currently at 50%;
- Add jobs;
- Increase local revenues; and
- Contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Click the image below to watch our You Tube video on the Riverside County RMDZ Program.
Riverside County RMDZ Zone
To be eligible to apply for a loan, the project must be located within the boundaries of a Recycling Market Development Zone. To search zone boundary by address:
Riverside County has one zone: Riverside County RMDZ. The loan proceeds available may be used for land acquisition, leasehold improvements, equipment purchases and working capital for up to 75 percent of the project cost with a maximum loan amount of $2 million. For more information on current rates or to determine RMDZ boundaries, please contact our Zone Administrator at (951) 955-8916 or [email protected].
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RMDZ Loans
The RMDZ program offers eligible businesses below market terms financing for new development and expansion projects, technical assistance and free product marketing. The RMDZ has substantial benefits available for potentially eligible businesses. Below is a summary of the RMDZ specific benefits:
- Attractive Loans
- Low interest rate
- Funds may be used for equipment, permanent working capital, leasehold improvements, and up to $1 million dollars for real property acquisition
- Technical Assistance
- Locating manufacturing materials (feedstock)
- Finding markets for products
- Providing current market conditions/trends
- Evaluating technology and equipment
- Providing geographical data on demographics, waste streams, and economics
Click below button for more details on RMDZ loan criteria.
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Advantages of RMDZ Benefits
Businesses That Qualify
Businesses seeking to take advantage of RMDZ benefits must reduce waste currently going to landfills. A business that may be eligible for RMDZ benefits would include any of the following:
- Waste prevention manufacturing that reduces the materials used to make products;
- Processes that make products reusable again by repair, reconditioning, and/or washing;
- Manufacturing that takes solid waste to make recycled material or uses a recycled raw material to make a final product; and
- Conversion technology and biomass processes that convert waste to energy, fuel, etc., excluding high heat processes.
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Eligible Materials
Eligible Materials include, but are not limited to:
- Paper
- Glass
- Plastics
- Tires
- Textiles
- Green waste (yard debris)
- Electronics (only non-hazardous portions, such as plastic casings and cords are eligible if they are processed and used as feedstock.)
- Wood
Construction and demolition debris, including:
- Wallboard (gypsum)
- Carpet and padding
- Roofing materials
- Porcelain (tubs, sinks, toilets)
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CalRecycle Funding Options
CalRecycle offers funding authorized by legislation to help public and private entities create circular waste systems.
Notice of Funds Available: Tire Equipment Loan Program (FY 2025-26)
The Tire Equipment Loan Program was approved in September 2025.
The program helps promote and develop alternatives to the
landfill disposal of used whole tires and used tire components, and to eliminate illegal dumping and unnecessary stockpiling of used tires.
Cal Recycle - Recycled-Content Product Manufacturers (RCPM)
The Recycled-Content Product Manufacturers (RCPM) directory showcases innovative recycled-content products made by California manufacturers who use recycled waste as a feedstock. RCPM puts you in touch directly with the manufacturers who make earth-friendly products. Whether you are a wholesale buyer, Procurement and Contracting Officer (PCO), or an individual consumer, use this listing to find recycled-content product manufacturers who make products, or intermediate products, designed with your needs in mind! Some manufacturers can even personalize their products to your specifications. Buying from these manufacturers also supports green jobs in California and the California economy.
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Recycling Business Spotlight:
Riverside County supports innovative recycle and reuse manufacturers that fuel a circular economy.
One such business is Global Plastics, Inc. in Perris. Click the button below to hear them talk about how the RMDZ program has helped them to expand.