PITTSBURGH — Metal recyclers in Indiana planning to make capital expenditures have until June to apply for $500,000 in grants being awarded by the state.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management will offer grants ranging from $25,000 to $200,000 through its Recycling Market Development Program (RMDP), which aims to boost recycling businesses in the state.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management said such financial incentives can ultimately lead to the creation of more recycling jobs. "Providing financial assistance to recycling businesses makes good sense for the environment and the economy," department commissioner Thomas Easterly said. "We are pleased to offer grants to help businesses that are giving a second life to materials."

The grants, which are available to recyclers looking to purchase equipment, require a 50-percent match by the recipient. Any equipment purchase that reduces waste stream to a landfill, expands manufacturing or helps to provide recycled material to manufacturers qualifies, but any company that has a current RMDP project is not eligible. The deadline for grant applications is June 3; recipients will be chosen by August.

No metal recyclers received grants last year, but in 2011 Bremen Castings Inc. in Bremen was awarded $100,000 for an iron delivery system installed as part of a melting capability expansion and Ryobi Die Casting Inc. (USA) in Shelbyville received $50,000 for equipment to recover 1,200 tons of aluminum annually.