Indiana Recycling Market Development Program

Eligible Projects & Proposals

Proposals for the Recycling Market Development Program should demonstrate an understanding of the changing economy for recyclers, looking at where monies can be used most effectively by businesses and communities to reach Indiana’s 50 percent state-wide recycling goal. Proposals should demonstrate a need for the project and include one or more of the following:

• An increase in recyclable material collection and/or utilization
• A reduction in municipal solid waste shipped for final disposal
• Improved partnerships with communities, including not only economic impacts, but increased public awareness of recycling opportunities through tangible outreach and education efforts.

Projects should focus on reuse, reduction, and recycling methods. Entities must maintain goals that are consistent with the state’s interest and vision of proper solid waste management, including diverting priority materials from landfills for final disposal which could be reused or reprocessed.

Priority materials include but are not limited to:

• Plastics
• Mixed glass
• Organics
• Electronics

Ineligible Projects & Proposals

• Waste-to-energy projects

Eligible Costs

Only one proposal project, per applicant, is eligible for funding.

Public/private businesses, solid waste management districts, local government, higher education institutions, and non-profit organizations located and doing business in Indiana may seek grant funding starting at $50,000 and up to $500,000.

For example, you could decide that you need equipment and outreach funding and submit two separate proposals, respectively. Both are eligible, but the board would consider only one for possible funding.

Ineligible Costs

Ineligible costs include but are not limited to:

• building/land purchases or associated building construction costs
• personnel costs
• consultant fees and travel
• legal costs
• licenses and permits
• vehicles
• contract services for recycling collection.

Exceptions include improvements to a docking station or sorting/tipping area of a building for waste diversion purposes; contract services performed as part of research & development; tow motors, excavators, loader trucks and other specialized mobile equipment for dedicated use for the proposed waste reduction and/or recycling project

The RMDP requires a 50% cash match. For example, if an applicant’s project will incur an investment of $200,000 total eligible costs, the applicant may apply for a $100,000 grant and must have a match of $100,000 in secured funds. This is termed a “50/50” match. Matching funds can be obtained through public/private partnerships and other non-state grant programs. Organizations must have available funding for the total cost of the project. Grant recipients will then be eligible to receive up to fifty percent (50%) of qualifying project costs through reimbursement from the state.

All RMDP grant submissions must be completed through the online portal and must include the following:

Sections 1–6: Complete all applicant information. These sections serve as the cover page for the proposed application and provide essential background details about the applicant.

Section 7: Provide an Overview of the Project Scope, Costs, and Waste Diversion Goals.

Section 8: Project Proposal Components. This section must include all key elements of the proposal, as listed below:

1. Project Description and Scope of Work
2. Past Performance
3. Cash Match (including proof of available funding for the total project cost)
4. Detailed Budget Narrative
5. Budget Sheet
6. Copies of Quotes for all applicable purchases
7. Nonprofit Status (if applicable)
8. Business Plan (if applicable, including tables and quotes for all relevant purchases)
9. Supporting Documentation: Optional materials such as letters of support, partnership agreements, project flow diagrams, location maps, and other relevant documentation.

Applicants must review the current Recycling Market Development Application Guidelines [PDF] for the 2027 Round to ensure their proposals meet all requirements and follow the correct submission procedures.

Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria listed in RMDP Guidelines: Attachment B. Each proposal will be given a numerical score, and if eligible and complete, will be forwarded to the Board for funding consideration and approval.

Selection of proposals for presentation to the Board will be made based on the program objectives and priorities. The selection team will be comprised of IDEM staff with past experience reviewing RMDP grant recipients.

A Step-by-Step Guide  

1. Go to Access.gov
2. Log in through the Access Indiana portal so you can save your progress.
3. Locate the Recycling Market Development Grant Program online application
4. Gather all required documents outlined in this guide before starting the online application.
5. Name your files unique names using the required format (e.g., Organization Name_RMDP Proposal.pdf).
6. Upload your project proposal and all supporting documents in the correct sections of the Webform. 
7. Review your entries carefully to ensure nothing is missing.
8. Submit the online application before the deadline.
9. Save a copy of your submission confirmation for your record.

The following are RMDP timeline highlights. For the full timeline visit the RMDP guidelines. These are the dates for the previous grant round for 2025. IDEM anticipates a similar timeline for the 2026 application round.

Applications Accepted:

June 17, 2026 – July 29, 2026

Approval of Awards by the Board:

December 10, 2026

Grant Agreement Approval:

Grant agreements are drafted, reviewed, executed. The grant is executed once all parties sign the grant agreement. This step must be completed before any approved project expenses can be purchased:

January - March 2027

Awarded funds cannot be spent until the grant is executed. Plan to not start your project until March 2027.

Informal determinations of eligibility for grant funding are available at any time via e-mail from the Grant Manager. Informal eligibility determinations will be based on the potential applicant’s description of the proposed project and are not binding.

For answers to any questions regarding the submittal requirements and/or application deadlines, or issues with submitting please contact the Grant Manager via email at: RMDPgrants@idem.in.gov