SC 13D

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 13D

(Rule 13d-101)

INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN STATEMENTS FILED PURSUANT

TO § 240.13d-1(a) AND AMENDMENTS THERETO FILED PURSUANT TO

§ 240.13d-2(a)

(Amendment No.  )1

Rentech, Inc.

(Name of Issuer)

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

(Title of Class of Securities)

760112 20 1

(CUSIP Number)

STEVE WOLOSKY, ESQ.

OLSHAN FROME WOLOSKY LLP

1325 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10019

(212) 451-2300

(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person

Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

February 1, 2017

(Date of Event Which Requires Filing of This Statement)

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of §§ 240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box ¨.

Note:  Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits.  See § 240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.

_______________

1              The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person’s initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).

CUSIP NO. 760112 20 1

1	NAME OF REPORTING PERSON Raging Capital Management, LLC
2	CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP		(a) o   (b) o
3	SEC USE ONLY
4	SOURCE OF FUNDS AF
5	CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)		¨
6	CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION DELAWARE
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH	7	SOLE VOTING POWER - 0 -
	8	SHARED VOTING POWER 3,686,727
	9	SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER - 0 -
	10	SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 3,686,727
11	AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 3,686,727
12	CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES		o
13	PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) 15.9%
14	TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON IA

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CUSIP NO. 760112 20 1

1	NAME OF REPORTING PERSON William C. Martin
2	CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP		(a) o   (b) o
3	SEC USE ONLY
4	SOURCE OF FUNDS AF
5	CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)		¨
6	CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION USA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH	7	SOLE VOTING POWER - 0 -
	8	SHARED VOTING POWER 3,686,727
	9	SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER - 0 -
	10	SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 3,686,727
11	AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 3,686,727
12	CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES		o
13	PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) 15.9%
14	TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON HC

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CUSIP NO. 760112 20 1

The following constitutes the Schedule 13D filed by the undersigned (the “Schedule 13D”).

Item 1. Security and Issuer.

This statement relates to the Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share (the “Shares”), of Rentech, Inc., a Colorado corporation (the “Issuer”).  The address of the principal executive offices of the Issuer is 2000 Potomac Street NW, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20007.

Item 2. Identity and Background.

 (a)           This statement is filed by Raging Capital Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Raging Capital”), and William C. Martin.  Each of the foregoing is referred to as a “Reporting Person” and collectively as the “Reporting Persons.”

Raging Capital is the Investment Manager of Raging Capital Master Fund, Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Raging Master”), in whose name the Shares are held.  William C. Martin is the Chairman, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Member of Raging Capital.  Raging Master has delegated to Raging Capital the sole authority to vote and dispose of the securities held by Raging Master pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement, dated November 9, 2012, as amended and restated on December 21, 2016 (the “IMA”).  The IMA may be terminated by any party thereto effective at the close of business on the last day of any fiscal quarter by giving the other party not less than sixty-one days’ written notice.  As a result, each of Raging Capital and William C. Martin may be deemed to beneficially own the Shares held by Raging Master.

Set forth on Schedule A annexed hereto (“Schedule A”) is the name and present principal business, occupation or employment and the name, principal business and address of any corporation or other organization in which such employment is conducted of the executive officers of Raging Capital.  To the best of the Reporting Persons’ knowledge, except as otherwise set forth herein, none of the persons listed on Schedule A beneficially owns any securities of the Issuer or is a party to any contract, agreement or understanding required to be disclosed herein.

(b)           The address of the principal office of each of the Reporting Persons is Ten Princeton Avenue, P.O. Box 228, Rocky Hill, New Jersey 08553.

(c)           The principal business of Raging Capital is serving as the Investment Manager of Raging Master.  The principal occupation of William C. Martin is serving as the Chairman, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Member of Raging Capital.

(d)           No Reporting Person nor any person listed on Schedule A has, during the last five years, been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors).

(e)           No Reporting Person nor any person listed on Schedule A has, during the last five years, been party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.

(f)           Raging Capital is organized under the laws of the State of Delaware.  William C. Martin is a citizen of the United States of America.

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CUSIP NO. 760112 20 1

Item 3. Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration.

The aggregate purchase price of the 3,686,727 Shares owned directly by Raging Master is approximately $7,656,612, including brokerage commissions.  Such Shares were acquired with the working capital of Raging Master.

Raging Master effects purchases of securities primarily through margin accounts maintained for it with prime brokers, which may extend margin credit to it as and when required to open or carry positions in the margin accounts, subject to applicable federal margin regulations, stock exchange rules and the prime brokers’ credit policies.  In such instances, the positions held in the margin accounts are pledged as collateral security for the repayment of debit balances in the accounts.

Item 4. Purpose of Transaction.

The Reporting Persons believe that the securities of the Issuer are significantly undervalued and represent an attractive investment opportunity.  The Reporting Persons seek to engage in a constructive dialogue with the Issuer’s Board of Directors regarding opportunities to maximize shareholder value.

Depending upon overall market conditions, other investment opportunities available to the Reporting Persons, and the availability of securities of the Issuer at prices that would make the purchase or sale of such securities desirable, the Reporting Persons may endeavor to (i) increase or decrease their position in the Issuer through, among other things, the purchase or sale of securities of the Issuer on the open market, in private transactions or otherwise, on such terms and at such times as the Reporting Persons may deem advisable and/or (ii) engage in short selling of or any hedging or similar transaction with respect to the securities of the Issuer.

No Reporting Person has any present plan or proposal which would relate to or result in any of the matters set forth in subparagraphs (a) - (j) of Item 4 of Schedule 13D except as set forth herein or such as would occur upon or in connection with completion of or following any of the actions discussed herein. The Reporting Persons may develop plans and/or make proposals with respect to, or with respect to potential changes in, the operations, management, the certificate of incorporation and bylaws, Board composition, ownership, capital or corporate structure, dividend policy, strategy and plans of the Issuer, potential strategic transactions involving the Issuer or certain of the Issuer’s businesses or assets, including, without limitation, a sale of the Issuer or certain of its businesses or assets, in which the Reporting Persons may participate, as a means of enhancing shareholder value, or may change their intention with respect to any and all matters referred to in Item 4.  The Reporting Persons intend to review their investment in the Issuer on a continuing basis and may from time to time in the future express their views to and/or meet with management, the Board, other shareholders or third parties, including, potential acquirers, service providers and financing sources, and/or formulate plans or proposals, regarding the Issuer, its assets or its securities and have previously held discussions with management regarding one or more of such matters. Such proposals or plans may include one or more plans that relate to or would result in any of the actions set forth in subparagraphs (a) - (j) of Item 4 of Schedule 13D.

Item 5. Interest in Securities of the Issuer.

(a)           The aggregate percentage of Shares reported owned by each person named herein is based upon 23,191,502 Shares outstanding as of October 31, 2016, which is the total number of Shares outstanding as reported in the Issuer’s Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 9, 2016.

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CUSIP NO. 760112 20 1

As of the close of business on the date hereof, each of Raging Capital and William C. Martin may be deemed to beneficially own the 3,686,727 Shares, constituting approximately 15.9% of the Shares outstanding, held by Raging Master by virtue of their relationships with Raging Master discussed in further detail in Item 2.

Each of the Reporting Persons, as a member of a “group” with the other Reporting Person for purposes of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), may be deemed to beneficially own the Shares owned by the other Reporting Person.  The filing of this Schedule 13D shall not be deemed an admission that the Reporting Persons are, for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, the beneficial owners of any Shares he or it does not directly own.  Each of the Reporting Persons specifically disclaims beneficial ownership of the Shares reported herein that he or it does not directly own.  Without limiting the foregoing sentence, Raging Master specifically disclaims beneficial ownership of the securities of the Issuer held by it by virtue of its inability to vote or dispose of such securities as a result of the IMA.

(b)           Raging Capital and William C. Martin may be deemed to share the power to vote and dispose of the Shares held by Raging Master.

(c)           Schedule B annexed hereto lists all transactions in the Shares during the past sixty days by the Reporting Persons.  All of such transactions were effected in the open market.

(d)           No person other than the Reporting Persons is known to have the right to receive, or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or proceeds from the sale of, the Shares.

(e)           Not applicable.

Item 6. Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships With Respect to Securities of the Issuer.

On February 10, 2017, the Reporting Persons entered into a Joint Filing Agreement in which the Reporting Persons agreed to the joint filing on behalf of each of them of statements on Schedule 13D with respect to the securities of the Issuer.  A copy of this agreement is attached as an exhibit hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 7. Material to be Filed as Exhibits.

99.1 Joint Filing Agreement by and between Raging Capital Management, LLC and William C. Martin, dated February 10, 2017.

99.2 Powers of Attorney.

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CUSIP NO. 760112 20 1

SIGNATURES

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of his knowledge and belief, each of the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

Dated:  February 10, 2017	Raging Capital Management, LLC
	By:	/s/ Frederick C. Wasch
		Name:	Frederick C. Wasch
		Title:	Chief Financial Officer

/s/ Frederick C. Wasch

Frederick C. Wasch as attorney-in-fact for William C. Martin

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CUSIP NO. 760112 20 1

SCHEDULE A

Executive Officers of Raging Capital Management, LLC

Name and Position	Present Principal Occupation	Business Address
William C. Martin, Chairman, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Member	Chairman, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Member of Raging Capital Management, LLC	c/o Raging Capital Management, LLC Ten Princeton Avenue, P.O. Box 228 Rocky Hill, New Jersey 08553
Frederick C. Wasch, Chief Financial Officer	Chief Financial Officer of Raging Capital Management, LLC	c/o Raging Capital Management, LLC Ten Princeton Avenue, P.O. Box 228 Rocky Hill, New Jersey 08553

CUSIP NO. 760112 20 1

SCHEDULE B

Transactions in the Shares of the Issuer During the Past 60 Days

Class of Security Shares Purchased Price ($) Date of Purchase

RAGING CAPITAL MASTER FUND, LTD.

Common Stock	98,400	2.0490	12/08/2016
Common Stock	73,800	2.0490	12/08/2016
Common Stock	73,800	2.0490	12/08/2016
Common Stock	76,535	2.0062	12/09/2016
Common Stock	110,600	1.9788	12/12/2016
Common Stock	31,972	1.9635	12/13/2016
Common Stock	500,000	1.9503	12/13/2016
Common Stock	9,801	1.9582	12/14/2016
Common Stock	40,093	1.9788	12/15/2016
Common Stock	12,100	2.0000	12/15/2016
Common Stock	25,743	1.9577	12/16/2016
Common Stock	16,857	1.9800	12/16/2016
Common Stock	112,100	1.9883	12/19/2016
Common Stock	24,500	1.9749	12/20/2016
Common Stock	50,982	2.0420	12/21/2016
Common Stock	50,967	2.0508	12/22/2016
Common Stock	12,000	2.0887	12/23/2016
Common Stock	82,266	2.1595	12/27/2016
Common Stock	229,740	2.1135	12/28/2016
Common Stock	353,000	2.0654	12/28/2016
Common Stock	700	2.0686	12/29/2016
Common Stock	7,300	2.1286	12/30/2016
Common Stock	102,223	2.2524	01/03/2017
Common Stock	10,244	2.3203	01/04/2017
Common Stock	124,763	2.3711	01/05/2017
Common Stock	65,000	2.3547	01/06/2017
Common Stock	1,282,117	2.0424	01/20/2017
Common Stock	43,000	2.1333	01/23/2017
Common Stock	7,439	2.2369	01/24/2017
Common Stock	1,800	2.5000	01/25/2017
Common Stock	56,885	2.6761	01/27/2017

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

JOINT FILING AGREEMENT

In accordance with Rule 13d-1(k)(1)(iii) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the persons named below agree to the joint filing on behalf of each of them of a Statement on Schedule 13D (including amendments thereto) with respect to the Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, of Rentech, Inc. This Joint Filing Agreement shall be filed as an Exhibit to such Statement.

Dated:  February 10, 2017	Raging Capital Management, LLC
	By:	/s/ Frederick C. Wasch
		Name:	Frederick C. Wasch
		Title:	Chief Financial Officer

/s/ Frederick C. Wasch

Frederick C. Wasch as attorney-in-fact for William C. Martin

EX-99.2

Exhibit 99.2

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Know all by these presents, that each of the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Allan J. Young signing singly, the undersigned’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact to:

1.           Execute for and on behalf of the undersigned all documents relating to the business of Raging Capital Management, LLC, including, but not limited to, all filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange and any other regulatory, administrative or similar authority, and all memoranda, correspondence, communications or the like, except that such attorney-in-fact shall have no power to execute any document that has the effect of creating a financial commitment or financial obligation of the undersigned or their affiliates.

2.           Do and perform any and all acts for and on behalf of the undersigned that may be necessary or desirable to complete and execute any such document, complete and execute any amendment or amendments thereto, and timely file such document with the appropriate authority.

3.           Take any other action of any type whatsoever in connection with the foregoing which, in the opinion of such attorney-in-fact, may be of benefit to, in the best interest of, or legally required by, the undersigned, it being understood that the documents executed by such attorney-in-fact on behalf of the undersigned pursuant to this Power of Attorney shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as such attorney-in-fact may approve in such attorney-in-fact’s discretion.

Each of the undersigned hereby grants to such attorney-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform any and every act and thing whatsoever requisite, necessary, or proper to be done in the exercise of any of the rights and powers herein granted, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do if personally present, with full power of substitution or revocation, hereby ratifying and confirming all that such attorney-in-fact, or such attorney-in-fact’s substitute or substitutes, shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue of this Power of Attorney and the rights and powers herein granted. Each of the undersigned acknowledges that the foregoing attorney-in-fact, in serving in such capacity at the request of the undersigned, is not assuming any of the undersigned’s responsibilities to comply with any rules or regulations including federal securities laws.

This Power of Attorney shall remain in full force and effect until revoked by the undersigned in a signed writing delivered to the foregoing attorney-in-fact.

[Signatures on Following Page]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Power of Attorney to be executed as of this 26th day of February, 2015.

Raging Capital Management, LLC
By:	/s/ William C. Martin
	Name:	William C. Martin
	Title:	Managing Member

/s/ William C. Martin

William C. Martin

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Know all by these presents, that the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frederick C. Wasch signing singly, the undersigned’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact to:

1.           Execute for and on behalf of the undersigned all documents relating to the business of Raging Capital Management, LLC including, but not limited to, all filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange and any other regulatory, administrative or similar authority, and all memoranda, correspondence, communications or the like, except that such attorney-in-fact shall have no power to execute any document that has the effect of creating a financial commitment or financial obligation of Raging Capital Management, LLC or its affiliates.

2.           Do and perform any and all acts for and on behalf of the undersigned that may be necessary or desirable to complete and execute any such document, complete and execute any amendment or amendments thereto, and timely file such document with the appropriate authority.

3.           Take any other action of any type whatsoever in connection with the foregoing which, in the opinion of such attorney-in-fact, may be of benefit to, in the best interest of, or legally required by, the undersigned, it being understood that the documents executed by such attorney-in-fact on behalf of the undersigned pursuant to this Power of Attorney shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as such attorney-in-fact may approve in such attorney-in-fact’s discretion.

The undersigned hereby grants to such attorney-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform any and every act and thing whatsoever requisite, necessary, or proper to be done in the exercise of any of the rights and powers herein granted, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do if personally present, with full power of substitution or revocation, hereby ratifying and confirming all that such attorney-in-fact, or such attorney-in-fact’s substitute or substitutes, shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue of this Power of Attorney and the rights and powers herein granted.  The undersigned acknowledges that the foregoing attorney-in-fact, in serving in such capacity at the request of the undersigned, is not assuming any of the undersigned’s responsibilities to comply with any rules or regulations, including federal securities laws.

This Power of Attorney shall remain in full force until revoked by the undersigned in a signed writing delivered to the foregoing attorney-in-fact.

[Signatures on Following Page]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Power of Attorney to be executed as of this 30th day of December, 2014.

/s/ William C. Martin

William C. Martin