The Recycling Economy
Recycling and composting are critical segments of our state's growing and vibrant green economy.
According to a Northeast Recycling Council (NERC) study, Massachusetts is home to more than 2,000 recycling and composting businesses that employ some 14,000 people, with a payroll approaching $500 million annually.
Learn more about recycling and the economy by following the links below.
Additional Resources
Grants & Loans
MassDEP and other organizations offer financial assistance to help grow recycling and composting businesses and facilities across Massachusetts.
From MassDEP
- Recycling Business Development Grants
Helps Massachusetts recycling processors and manufacturers create sustainable markets for eligible materials.
From Other Organizations
- Closed Loop Fund
A social impact fund investing $100 million in business and municipal efforts to increase the recycling of products and packaging. - Recycling Loan Fund
Provides loans of up to $500,000 to help Massachusetts businesses obtain the capital they need for recycling-related activities. - Financial & Technical Assistance for Anaerobic Digestion Projects
Learn about grant, loan, and assistance programs that can help renewable energy developers build organics processing facilities.
Market Development Assistance
Like all other industries and commodities, recycling and composting businesses - and the materials they collect, transport, process, and sell - are subject to the forces of supply and demand.
These companies need to know how and where to find profitable markets for their recycled raw materials.
Follow the links below to learn more about identifying end-users of these commodities.