California’s recycling agency announced $41 million in grants and loans aimed at expanding recycling access, supporting workforce development and increasing textile recycling capacity as part of the state’s broader circular economy strategy.
“California is proving that reducing waste and growing the economy can go hand in hand,” CalRecycle Director Zoe Heller said in a statement. “These investments will make recycling more convenient, support good-paying jobs and help turn discarded materials into valuable new products. By keeping resources in use, we’re building a cleaner and more resilient future for communities across California.”
The largest portion of the funding, $30.6 million, was awarded to 13 certified Local Conservation Corps to provide paid job training and workforce development opportunities for youths. Corps members will gain hands on experience through recycling, conservation and community improvement projects involving waste tires, beverage containers, used oil and electronic waste.
CalRecycle also awarded a $10 million Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant to Circular CRV Solutions, to help expand California Redemption Value (CRV) opportunities through mobile recycling services and drop-off programs in communities with limited access to redemption sites.
In addition, Peerless Materials Company in Los Angeles County received an $800,000 Recycling Market Development Zone loan to expand textile recycling operations. The company plans to quadruple its capacity to process discarded textiles into industrial wipes, absorbent pads and other reusable products.
The investments support California’s efforts to build a circular economy that prioritizes reuse, recycling and resource recovery while creating economic opportunities across the state, CalRecycle said. According to the agency, achieving a fully circular economy by 2050 could generate $411 billion in economic growth, avoid $11 billion in health and environmental costs, and create more than 500,000 jobs in recycling, reuse, repair and manufacturing.
