Summer II 2025
In this issue:
Grantee Spotlight: Closed Loop Recycling
Grant Applications for 2026 Funding Cycles to Open Soon
Specification Updates for Paper Cups and Plastics from ReMa & APR
ESI Highlights Events and Upcoming Conference
2025 Sustainable Agriculture Conference, Columbia SC
NC Begins Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Landscape Assessment Ahead of Ban
Market Pricing Update
Grantee Spotlight: Closed Loop Recycling
Closed Loop Recycling (CLR), a textile and PPE recycling leader operating in Charlotte since 2018, recently completed a major expansion with support from a Recycling Business Development Grant awarded by NC DEQ. The project funded the purchase of a new industrial washer and components to support the machine (plumbing, electrical, and steam pipe construction). The goal of the wash system was to enable CLR to bring laundering fully in-house, reduce third-party costs, create local jobs, and boost recycling capacity by nearly 5,000 pounds each week. This investment strengthened the company’s ability to support businesses pursuing sustainability goals such as Zero Waste to Landfill and ISO 14001 certification.
The results have been substantial. In 2024, CLR diverted more than 78 tons of rags, textiles, and PPE from landfills, equal to 45,550 pounds of rags and nearly 300,000 units of PPE. With new hires already made and additional positions planned, CLR’s expansion demonstrates how Recycling Business Development Grant funding helps North Carolina businesses increase capacity, reduce costs, and advance sustainable materials recovery across the state.
Grant Application for the 2026 Funding Cycles to Open Soon
🍎 Food Waste Reduction Grant Open August 28: The Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 2026 grant cycle will be released on Thursday, August 28th. The grant is open to local governments, recycling businesses and food recovery organizations to fund projects that support the recovery of organic materials through the expansion of food donation networks and organics recycling operations.
Projects are eligible to request up to $40,000. Priority-Level funding of up to $60,000 can be requested for projects that directly address expanding capacity for organics recycling processing and/or hauling infrastructure or edible food recovery.
Applications will be accepted from Thursday, August 28th until Friday, October 24, 2025. Please check the Grants for Recycling Businesses webpage for the RFP.
🏢 Recycling Business Development Grants Opening in September: The RFP for 2026 Recycling Business Development Grants will open in September. This program supports North Carolina recycling businesses in developing projects that improve the collection, processing, or end-use of recyclable materials, to help strengthen markets and promote a circular economy in our state.
Full program details, including funding amounts, priority areas, and the application deadline, will be announced soon. Now is a great time to start considering potential projects and gathering the information needed to apply! Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks.
Review previous grantees and awarded projects on the Grants for Recycling Businesses webpage.
Specification Updates from ReMA and APR
The Recycled Materials Association (ReMa) and the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) have announced major updates to their recycling specifications, expanding the scope of recyclable materials in North America. The revisions clarify acceptable contaminant thresholds and expanded categories.
Key changes include:
Expanded acceptance of HDPE natural and color bottles
Inclusion of HDPE bulky rigid plastics
New grades for PE film: Clear Film (Grade A & Grade B), Color Film, and Furniture Mix Film
Our team is monitoring how these updates are being considered across North Carolina and is available to discuss any key points with facilities or programs that may be reviewing their accepted materials.
ESI Networking Event and Conference
The Environmental Stewardship Initiative (ESI) hosted two regional networking events at member sites: Wicked Weed Brewing in Asheville and the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro.
At the western event, 23 attendees joined for a behind-the-scenes tour of Wicked Weed Brewing’s manufacturing facility before a networking session in the taproom. Another 22 attendees gathered at the central networking event to share information about water usage, energy reduction, and recycling markets. Zoo staff also gave a tour of the on-site composting facility and solar panel installations.
Following the success of the summer’s networking events, the ESI conference will be held on October 9-10th at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh. The agenda will include presentations and discussions on the circular economy, industrial recycling, and finding end markets. Register here.
ESI includes over 200 manufacturers, solid waste operations, office buildings, breweries, and other organizations that have environmental management goals. Members attend networking events, and share resources for finding recycling markets, and gain access to an ESI coach. Recyclers or manufacturers interested in ESI membership can contact Matt James at matt.james@deq.nc.gov.
NC Begins Landscape Assessment of Lithium-Ion Battery Disposal
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) has been holding ongoing conversations with partners across the state on lithium-ion battery disposal in preparation for the December 2026 ban on landfilling these batteries. Building on this dialogue, the Department is now moving into a series of structured meetings, beginning with local governments and public agencies, followed by future sessions with businesses handling Lithium-Ion batteries across the state to evaluate current battery recycling infrastructure and capabilities in preparation for the upcoming ban on disposing of lithium-ion batteries in landfills.
This effort will yield valuable data that identifies existing programs, addresses service gaps, and determines resource needs. The findings will guide strategies for the safe collection, handling, and processing of batteries, while supporting public education on proper disposal.
2025 Sustainable Agricultural Conference, Columbia, SC
The Carolina Farm Stewardship Association's (CFSA) Sustainable Agriculture Conference is a weekend of learning and community focused on advancing local, sustainable, and organic agriculture in the Carolinas.
This year’s conference will be held November 14th-16th in Columbia, South Carolina, and will feature practical breakout sessions, networking and discussion groups, an expansive trade show, locally sourced meals, and on-farm intensive workshops at farms across the Midlands.
Click here to register - Early Bird Special ends August 31
Welcome New RBAC Team Members
We would like to welcome two new staff members to the RBAC Team.
Emily Weaver is joining us from our sister agency in Florida (FDEP), where she served as an Environmental Specialist III. Emily brings extensive experience working closely with businesses and facilities to provide individualized consultation and support to clients statewide. She has led teams and strategic planning processes, experience that will serve her well as the RBAC’s new Team Lead.
You can contact Emily at: Emily.Weaver@DEQ.NC.gov or via phone at 919-707-8913
Haley Hall has also joined the RBAC Team as a Recycling Business Development Specialist. In her previous roles, she worked closely with recycling markets to divert new material streams from both a large corporation and a major university. She has been engaged in a variety of materials management and sustainability efforts, bringing valuable insight to support recycling businesses here in NC.
You can contact Haley at: Haley.Hall@DEQ.NC.gov or via phone at 919-707-8920
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