Investments will make beverage container redemption easier, strengthen textile recycling, and provide job training opportunities for young Californians
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California is investing $41 million to create green jobs and expand recycling opportunities so communities can recover more value from materials that would otherwise be thrown away. These new grants and loans will build out recycling infrastructure, support paid job training for young Californians, and open up new ways to keep valuable materials in circulation instead of sending them to landfills.
“California is proving that reducing waste and growing the economy can go hand in hand,” CalRecycle Director Zoe Heller said. “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.”
$10 Million to Expand Convenient CRV Redemption
Circular CRV Solutions received a Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant to fund additional California Redemption Value (CRV) cash-in sites statewide. As the nonprofit dealer cooperative that redeems CRV on behalf of its member beverage retailers (dealers), the organization will deploy mobile recycling and bag drop-off redemption services, including in communities that are underserved or have limited access to redemption opportunities.
Watch: Dealer Cooperative adds convenient CRV redemption options
$30.6 Million to Support Youth Job Training Through Local Conservation Corps
Thirteen certified Local Conservation Corps received $30.6 million to provide young Californians with paid job training and career pathways through hands-on recycling, conservation, and community improvement projects. Corpsmembers gain workforce experience while helping recycle waste tires, beverage containers, used oil, e-waste, and other materials that support cleaner and healthier communities.
Watch: Local Conservation Corps fight waste and grow futures
$800,000 to Expand Textile Recycling Options
Peerless Materials Company in Los Angeles County received a Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ) loan to quadruple its capacity to turn old textiles into new products such as industrial wipers, absorbent pads, and other reusable items. The RMDZ program provides permitting assistance, technical guidance, and low-interest loans to California businesses that use materials from the state’s waste stream.
Watch: California’s new textile producer responsibility
program to expand textile recycling statewide
Building California’s Circular Economy
A fully circular economy in California by 2050 is projected to generate:
- $411 billion in economic growth
- $11 billion in avoided health and environmental costs
- Over 500,000 new jobs across recycling, reuse, repair, and manufacturing sectors
Find a full list of CalRecycle grant and loan programs on the department’s website, including an eligibility breakdown for each program.
Media Contact: Lance Klug | OPA@calrecycle.ca.gov
