Recycling Market Development Grants

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is offering funding through the Recycling Market Development Program (RMDP) for the 2025 (Fiscal Year 2026) grant cycle. This initiative aims to bolster Indiana’s recycling infrastructure and market development, aligning with the state’s goal of achieving a 50 percent recycling rate. The program prioritizes projects that advance the collection and use of recyclable materials, promote recycling education, and reduce municipal solid waste sent for final disposal. Grant awards can range from $50,000 to $500,000 and require a 50 percent cash match from applicants. All funds are reimbursed, meaning applicants must front total project costs and then receive reimbursement for up to half of eligible expenses. Projects must be completed within eighteen months of the agreed start date. IDEM encourages early engagement, suggesting applicants consult with the grant manager to refine proposals prior to submission. Eligible applicants include municipalities, solid waste management districts, non-profit organizations, public and private businesses, and institutions of higher education based in Indiana. Applicants must be in full compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. Business applicants must also be registered with the Indiana Secretary of State. Only one project per applicant will be considered in a given cycle, and past recipients are only eligible to apply after their previous grant has been closed. Funding cannot be used for a range of costs, including land purchases, building construction, personnel, vehicles, or general consulting services. However, improvements to waste diversion facilities and specialized mobile equipment are permitted. Applications must be submitted online through State Webform 56936 by June 18, 2025. Supporting documents must follow specific naming conventions to ensure processing, and submission confirmation should be sought if not automatically received. Applicants must include detailed project descriptions, rationales, timelines, budget tables, and supporting documentation such as quotes, business plans (if equipment is involved), and letters of support. Evaluation criteria include alignment with RMDP goals, budget appropriateness, environmental and economic impacts, and integration with other efforts. Awards will be approved by the Board in October 2025, with contracts anticipated to be finalized by March 2026. Final 10 percent of funding is contingent upon submission and approval of a complete final report. All inquiries regarding the grant must be directed via email to RMDPgrants@idem.in.gov. Awarded projects are subject to additional reporting requirements through IDEM’s Re-TRAC Connect platform and are required to acknowledge IDEM’s support on all materials and events.