In May of this year the City of Austin released data on the economic impact of growing a local recycling and reuse industry. Even though Austin has a green reputation, its recycling economy was not a closed loop – with most of the City’s collected recyclables sent overseas.

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Austin economic development experts saw opportunity in keeping and using the City’s recyclables. By processing and reusing its own materials, Austin can create green jobs with zero waste. With $720M and over 2,600 jobs generated in 2014, potential growth is of upwards of 50 percent according to a study commissioned by Austin’s Recycling Economic Development Program. Similarly, in 2011 the City decided to divert 90 percent of wasted from disposal by the year 2040.

To meet these extraordinary goals, Austin is calling for potential recycling and reuse companies to become part of a new [re]Manufacturing Hub. Located on over 105 acres in Southeast Austin’s recycling corridor along FM 812, the redevelopment eco-industrial park will offer recycling and zero-waste tenants affordable real estate in a community zoned, permitted and outfitted with utility infrastructure specific to the industry.

“This is a great opportunity for Austin to create and grow cleantech jobs in Central Texas with materials that exist right now,” said Maggie Bishop, Director of Cleantech Economic Development for the Austin Chamber. “As a city with a focus on both green lifestyle and business innovation, it’s a natural next step. We have all the resources a company would need to address challenges surrounding energy, jobs, land use and waste here in Austin.”

Construction begins in summer of 2016. Letters of interest will be accepted until October 19, 2015. Find out more on the City’s site here.