FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2026

Grants Available to Boost Indiana's Recycling Economy

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) announced today that grant funding is now available for recycling projects through the Recycling Market Development Program (RMDP). Eligible applicants may request between $50,000 and $500,000 in funding. Proposals will be accepted through July 29, 2026.

Public and private businesses, municipalities, solid waste management districts, nonprofit organizations, and higher education institutions, located and operating in Indiana are eligible to apply.

Proposals should clearly demonstrate a need and outline how the project will:

• Increase the collection or use of recyclable materials.
• Reduce municipal solid waste sent for disposal.
• Build or strengthen partnerships with local communities.
• Raise public awareness of recycling through meaningful outreach and education.

Projects should demonstrate sustainability and an understanding of the changing economy for recyclers and look at where monies can be used most effectively to increase statewide recycling.

Final funding decisions will be made in December. Applications must be submitted through the online application portal, which can be accessed at Recycling Market Development Program at idem.IN.gov/recycle/recycling-market-development-program.

For additional information, please contact 800-988-7901 or [email protected].

About the Recycling Market Development Program:
The Recycling Market Development Program operates under the Recycling Market Development Board as established by IC 4-23-5.5. The grant money for the program comes from the Recycling Promotion and Assistance Fund, an account generated by a per-ton fee on solid waste disposed at Indiana landfills. The fund supports source reduction, reuse, recycling and composting to prevent solid waste from permanent disposal.
 

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About IDEM: IDEM (idem.IN.gov) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens to protect Hoosiers and the environment.