What does it take to build a circular economy鈥攐ne baler, one pelletizer, one grant at a time? North Carolina is building a stronger circular economy by investing in recycling and resource recovery at every stage. The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality鈥檚 Recycling Business Assistance Center (RBAC) provides technical assistance, guidance on tax incentives, and market connections that help haulers, processors, end users, and innovators keep valuable materials in circulation.
Central to this work is the Recycling Business Development Grant (RBDG) program, in which the state invests in equipment and infrastructure to help businesses at every stage of the recycling value chain; from collection and processing to end-use manufacturing. This ensures recyclable materials are viewed as valuable commodities that bolster local economies and supply chain resilience.
North Carolina has been named the number one state for business multiple times over recent years, including three of the last four by CNBC. This underlines consistently strong performance in economy, workforce, and business friendliness鈥攆actors that also support the state鈥檚 leadership in circular economy innovation.
Since 1989, the RBDG program has bolstered business development while supporting state goals for diversion and resource recovery. 聽In the last five years alone, it has catalyzed more than $9.2 million in private investment, supported more than 65 projects, and diverted thousands of tons of material from landfills into productive reuse. Past recipients include MRFs upgrading optical sorting systems, plastics reclaimers expanding pelletizing capacity, and manufacturers integrating recycled feedstock into new product lines.
2026 Grant Cycle Details
The 2026 grant cycle is now open to new and existing recycling businesses operating in North Carolina. Eligible projects must improve the collection, processing, or end-use of recyclable materials, with a focus on improving the capacity or efficiency of infrastructure and strengthening in-state markets.
- Maximum Award: Up to $75,000 per project with a 50% cash match
- Application Deadline: 5 p.m. EDT Tuesday, November 20, 2025
- Eligible Applicants: Private-sector recycling businesses located or operating in North Carolina
- Project Types: Eligible projects include equipment upgrades, facility expansions, material recovery innovations, and end-use development. Priority consideration will be given to projects that expand MRF capacity, solar panel or lithium-ion battery processing capacity, or C&D recycling infrastructure
Interested businesses are encouraged to review the program guidelines and connect with RBAC staff for technical assistance during the application process.