Landfill disposal costs continue to increase. Waste reduction and recycling can keep your garbage disposal costs under control and help your business maximize its profit potential by saving money on purchasing.

Many businesses in Oakland can receive a convenient, low-cost recycling service. Call the City of Oakland Recycling Hotline, (510) 238-SAVE, for details. The Recycling Hotline also has a directory of companies that provide recycling services for businesses. You can choose a recycling company that meets your needs. City staff at 238-SAVE are available for free consultations on the phone or on-site to help you get started.

The Oakland/Berkeley Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ), is a geographic area designated by the California Integrated Waste Management Board to foster end-use markets for recyclable materials. Manufacturers located in the RMDZ that use recyclable materials and/or minimize solid waste generation are eligible for program benefits. The RMDZ offers project coordination, loan and grant packaging, site selection and permit processing assistance, and employment referral and training coordination.

The Oakland/Berkeley RMDZ is widely regarded as one of the most effective in California. Since its inception in 1993, the RMDZ has packaged $4.6 million in approved loans and grants for local recycling businesses. These loans and grants have generated over $9.6 million in investment in recycling and reuse.

As part of the Oakland/Berkeley Recycling Market Development Zone, manufacturers operating in industrial areas of Oakland are eligible for several incentives designed to encourage greater materials efficiency in their production process. Benefits include loan and grant packaging services, site selection and permit processing assistance, and technical assistance for qualified projects. Low interest loans are available in amounts between $10,000 and $2 million, or 75% of the project, whichever is less, for equipment purchases, working capital, or real estate purchases. Current interest rate (guaranteed through 12/21/99) is 5.1%. Maximum term for the loan is fifteen years.

There is also a loan fund targeted to startups and smaller recycling companies which is open to any business which diverts significant amounts of solid waste from Alameda County landfills. This program is funded by the Alameda County Source Reduction and Recycling Board, and operated by the Oakland Business Development Corporation (OBDC). Loans of between $10,000 and $200,000 are available for equipment, working capital, and/or real estate. The maximun term is five years, and the interest rates are as low as 5%. For more details, including eligibility requirements and packaging assistance, click here, or call Gloria Cruz at 510-763-4297.

For more information about how the Oakland/Berkeley RMDZ can maximize your company's success, please call RMDZ Coordinator Steve Lautze at (510) 238-4973.

Businesses who Adopt-a-Spot adopt a corner, street, playlot or any small area and make a commitment to regularly clean & beautify the area. Signs recognizing your effort will be installed nearby. The City of Oakland will loan tools, pick up garbage, and provide free paint and brushes to keep the "spot" clean.

The Team Oakland program sponsors Oakland youth to perform graffiti removal, litter clearing, painting, and more in merchant districts. Your business can show its interest in the community by sponsoring Team Oakland.

Maintain-a-Drain businesses can prevent flooding by keeping storm drains clean. The City of Oakland provides rain gear, a rake, and pickup of garbage bags.

Adopt-a-Spot, Team Oakland, and Maintain-a-Drain are part of the We Mean Clean program of the City of Oakland Public Works Agency. To join, call (510) 238-7630

Currently under construction, the Oakland Green Business Map will serve as a tool to advertise businesses, organizations and institutions that contribute to the evolution of Oakland as a sustainable economy. It will be integrated into Oakland’s Website as a graphic source of information and promotion for businesses that pursue and support environmentally sustainable practices. For more information, contact Maria Sanders at (510) 238-6766.