Ohio EPA accepting applications for recycling grants

The Ohio EPA is accepting applications for various recycling grants and will host an informational meeting on the 2013 grant application process on Friday, Oct. 26, 2012.

Ohio EPA now administers programs relating to statewide source reduction, recycling, recycling market development and litter prevention. Grant programs formerly under the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Recycling and Litter Prevention, now can be accessed at Ohio EPA.

The informational meeting will be held at 10 a.m. at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, 2045 Morse Road, Building E, Columbus, in the assembly center. Those attending should bring a photo I.D.

Three grants provide assistance to local governments and businesses to collect and process recyclables and use them in a manufacturing setting. Grant programs include:

• Community Recycling Grant: This funding allows Ohio communities to support and expand community recycling and litter prevention efforts. Grants provide new infrastructure for collection and materials processing, involving materials such as construction and demolition debris, electronics, glass, paper-based materials and plastics. Those eligible to apply include municipal corporations, counties, townships, villages, state colleges or universities, solid waste management districts or authorities, park districts and health districts. The grants require 50 percent matching funds be available and expended on costs approved for the project.

• Litter Collection and Prevention Grant: This program seeks grant applications that will improve local environments through litter prevention, beautification and waste reduction activities. Ohio communities and nonprofit organizations can receive funding to support litter cleanup activities and litter prevention and awareness. Grant proposals must include a litter cleanup activity to take place on public land, roadsides or public waterways, and involve the use of volunteers. In addition to other eligible entities listed above, Keep Ohio Beautiful affiliates, boards of education and nonprofit organizations also may be eligible. Ten percent matching funds are required.

[[In-content Ad]]• Market Development Grant: Grant funds are offered to Ohio businesses that propose to create infrastructure for successful markets of recyclable materials and related products. The program seeks proposals involving materials collected or processed in Ohio. In addition to the eligible entities listed under the community recycling grant above, business or nonprofit applicants must work under contract with an eligible governmental agency serving as a pass-through agency for documenting and receiving funds. This grant typically focuses on equipment purchase. The cooperating enterprise must commit to matching grant funds by 100 percent, with a maximum grant period of 24 months. 

Grant applications should indicate how the applicant will comply with matching fund and other requirements found in the grant application handbook available now. Grant applications for all three programs are due February 1, 2013. Grant awards will be announced in May 2013, with funding available in July 2013. For more information, potential applicants can email or call Chet Chaney, (614) 728-0043.