Recycling Market Development Zone

South San Diego/Imperial Co.


The San Diego and Imperial Valley business corridor is one of the most economically active in the world. The region possesses excellent ocean, road and rail transport infrastructure and its proximity to the Mexican border adds an exceptional aspect to the area’s economy that brings excellent development opportunities, a strong and diverse workforce and supportive public and private partnerships.

South/East San Diego Region: This region offers a diverse economy, propelled by bio-technology firms, research labs, telecommunications, military, retail trade, health care, manufacturing, hospitality and food service companies that compete in the international market. San Diego's strong economy, diverse population, great educational institutions, unsurpassed quality of life, and world-renowned location make it the ideal place to do business. Because of its highly-educated workforce and mix of high-tech industry and recreational assets makes the region a perfect place to invest.

Imperial Valley: This region offers a diverse and rich collection of resources of human power, infrastructure and economic development. Its economy is driven by logistics firms, warehousing, retail trade, and light manufacturing. Growth industry includes aerospace, renewable energy, construction materials, logistics, international trade, call centers, manufacturing, biotechnology and agribusiness among others.

Incentives

Expedited permit processing and employee recruitment assistance are available for businesses that site within the zone. Special incentives are available to businesses that site within the Enterprise Zones. These include sales and use tax credits, tax credits on employee wages. Other programs include HUBZone, Foreign Trade Zone, and Manufacturing Enhancement Area zones among others. Small business assistance is also offered by the Small Business Assistance Development Centers who is a leading provider of consulting services and workshops for small businesses. The International Trade Assistance and The San Diego Center for International Trade Development (CITD) can also assist small and medium-sized businesses with international trade technical assistance.

Target Materials

Materials identified include PETE, HDPE, Vinyl, LDPE, polypropylene, polystyrene, tires, textiles, asphalt, mixed fibers, wood, yard waste/organics, glass, plastics, metals, and construction/demolition wastes.

Infrastructure

The existing transportation system provides easy access to all parts of the San Diego and Imperial County region. In addition, there are adequate sewer, water, and electrical resources available for current and future development needs. The zone includes ocean port access in San Diego, ports of entry into Mexico, major customs facilities. Union Pacific Railroad (UPR) and Carrizo Gorge Railway (CGR) provide freight service to Imperial Valley. UPR has direct routes to Los Angeles in the west and El Paso in the east. The center line connects eight communities in Imperial Valley and is the only rail connection from California into Central Mexico. CGR provides freight service between Imperial Valley and San Diego via Northern Baja California, Mexico.

Employment

Unlike some parts of California, population in this zone has grown since 1990 at an average annual growth rate of 8.4 percent. In contrast, the statewide average annual growth rate since. Governmental and non-profit organization established partnerships provide job seekers free and affordable training for a wide range of occupations that support existing and emerging businesses.

Contacts

Manuel Medrano

Senior Recycling Specialist
Economic Development Department Services
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone: (619) 585-5766
FAX: (619) 691-5006
Email: mmedrano@chulavistaca.gov
County: San Diego
CalRecycle Contact: Frank Severson

Recycling Market Development Zone Program: https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/RMDZ/
Zone Assistance: Regional Zone Contacts or LAMD@calrecycle.ca.gov, (916) 341-6199