ODNR Awards Grants to Increase Local Scrap Tire Recycling Efforts

COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), through its Tire Amnesty Grant program, will help Ohio’s local governments develop programs to promote sustainable scrap tire collection drives, sponsor tire drop-off efforts and engage in targeted clean up events.

Twenty eight projects, provided to local solid waste districts, counties, health departments, townships, soil and water conservation districts and cities, will receive grant funds which will significantly reduce the amount discarded scrap tire waste in the state of Ohio.

“When local agencies work together to solve environmental challenges, they increase the efficiency of public dollars,” said ODNR Director Sean Logan. “Tire amnesty programs are an effective method of redirecting valuable materials out of the waste stream, which benefits local communities.”

Ohio is aggressively addressing its backlog of scrap tires, which if left unchecked, could lead to health and environmental concerns statewide. ODNR’s scrap tire program, working with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Scrap Tire Unit, has successfully reduced the backlog in recent years. Both departments work together to ensure the tires collected are utilized in a beneficial end use. All Ohio political subdivisions are eligible for the grant funding. 

Grant amounts are dependent upon the number of recycled tires being diverted from the waste stream. The Tire Amnesty Grant Program, coordinated by ODNR’s Division of Recycling and Litter Prevention, is funded through a fee on tires at the point of purchase.

The ODNR Division of Recycling & Litter Prevention is responsible for implementing statewide waste reduction, recycling, recycling market development and litter prevention programs. The division encourages Ohioans to reduce waste, recycle materials, and buy recycled-content products. For more information, visit www.dnr.state.oh.us.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

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(Editor’s Note – The list of grant recipients follows below.)

For more information, contact:
Matt Dummitt, ODNR Recycling & Litter Prevention
614. 265. 7003
Heidi Hetzel-Evans, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860