3 Cities Join County for Recycling Zone

The cities of Simi Valley, Camarillo and Oxnard are joining forces with Ventura County in an effort to become a state-designated “recycling development zone,” which could help them attract new businesses.

The zoning designation would enable each of the jurisdictions to offer financial incentives to lure businesses that use recycled materials in their operations, said Jocelyn Reed, deputy director of Simi Valley’s Environmental Services Department.

To encourage businesses to locate in the special zones, the state would offer low-interest loans of up to $1 million to help offset operating or building costs, Reed said. Cities and counties included in the zones would also offer incentives, such as reducing or eliminating certain development fees, to help accommodate the new businesses.

Reed said three or four recycling businesses are considering moving to Simi Valley. If the city were able to offer financial incentives, he said it would undoubtedly increase the chances of attracting them.

In addition to bringing in new businesses and jobs, Reed said the state program would help create a local market for recycled products that now have to be shipped elsewhere for processing.

Becky Radonich, Camarillo’s recycling coordinator, said the zoning designation would also allow each of the participating cities and the county to offer financial help to recycling businesses already located in those areas.