Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ)

The Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ) program provides low-interest loans, microfunding, and free technical support to local businesses that manufacture new products from recycled or reused materials. Managed locally by LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) and statewide by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), RMDZ combines recycling with economic development to help green businesses create local jobs and divert waste from landfills.

Eligible businesses can apply for low-interest RMDZ loans administered by CalRecycle to fund recycling machinery, working capital, and facility expansion. These loans help green manufacturers expand operations and strengthen local markets for recycled-content products in the City of Los Angeles.  

Approved loan funds may be used for:

• Purchasing necessary manufacturing machinery and equipment  
• Securing essential working capital  
• Real estate purchases and capital improvements  
• Real estate leasehold improvements  
• Financing points at loan closing  
• Refinancing debt that directly impacts the diversion of recycled or secondary materials

The RMDZ Microfunding Initiative provides targeted financial assistance to City of Los Angeles-based businesses manufacturing new products from secondary or recycled materials. Launched to support early-stage green innovators, successful microfunding projects can help businesses qualify for larger, long-term state loan programs. Reports detailing past recipient projects are available upon request, and new application cycles are announced on this page.

LASAN offers free technical assistance, permitting guidance, and supply chain networking to help green businesses succeed in Los Angeles. Managed by the Solid Resources Citywide Recycling Division (SRCRD) Compliance & Sustainability Unit, our experts help businesses find reliable recycled feedstock, navigate regional environmental regulations, and connect with commercial networks.

You can reach the Los Angeles RMDZ Zone Administrator by email at sanrmdz@lacity.org to inquire about eligibility and loan applications.