What is the Zone?
In 1996, the Utah Legislature created the Utah Recycling Market Development Zone Program which focuses on recycling as an economic development tool. This will assist businesses that collect, process, distribute or use recycled materials in their manufacturing operations, or compost. Eligible recycling businesses that are located in designated Recycling Market Development Zones qualify for:
- 5% state tax credit on machinery and equipment
- 20% state tax credit (up to $2,000) on eligible operating expenses
- Technical assistance from state recycling economic development professionals
- Various local incentives
What's the opportunity?
As demand grows for recycled products, new and expanding recycling-based manufacturers are looking for good places to do business. Your community could benefit from the high quality jobs and added tax base these businesses can offer. Utah communities with Recycling Market Development Zones will have the edge in attracting these businesses.
How to make it happen
Utah communities and counties are eligible to submit applications for designation as a Recycling Market Development Zone. Communities with zone designation will improve their ability to assist their local businesses and attract new ones in the rapidly growing recycling industry.
In order to receive the Recycling Market Development Zone designation, communities and counties must offer businesses within the zone some incentives which could include but are not limited to:
- financing, such as loans or grants
- expedited permitting assistance
- infrastructure assistance
- competitive utility rates
- reduced business license fees
- zoning assistance
- Application process to get into the Zone
Applications to receive Recycling Market Development Zone designation must include:
- identification of local incentive;
- summary of local recycling program(s);
- support from local elected officials; and
- recycling market development plan
GOED will assist communities and counties in the application process and with their efforts to attract recycling businesses and provide a consistent supply of recycled feedstock.
Are you ready to get into the Zone?
Contact the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) to receive an application. Applications will be reviewed by GOED.
Help is here!
Technical assistance is available through GOED or the Recycling Coalition of Utah (RCU) to develop a Zone application and to designated Recycling Market Development Zones. Specific assistance includes: information; identification of financing options; policy development; and public information.
Brad Mertz
Recycling Coalition of Utah
PO Box 112045
Salt Lake City UT 84147-2045
Phone (801) 832-1157
recyclebrad@msn.com
Les Prall
Governor's Office of Economic Development
Recycling Market Development Zone Program
324 South State Street, Suite 500
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-7360
Phone: (801) 538-8804
Fax : (801) 538-8888
lprall@utah.gov