Grants

Over the years, the District has provided grant funding to local communities to support residential solid waste reduction programs. Grants have included the Residential Recycling Grant, the Capital Equipment and Projects Grant, and the Buy Recycled Grant. The only grant funding available is the Residential Recycling Per Capita Incentive Grant.

Residential Recycling Grant

Every local government entity, along with Bowling Green State University (BGSU), is eligible to receive support for an ongoing residential recycling collection program. The funds awarded are based on the current federal census for the respective jurisdictions and the on-campus student population for BGSU. The District currently provides $1 per person for drop-off programs and $1.50 per person for curbside programs (non-subscription).

Local governments may pool their funds to pay for services (for example, a village and two or three townships may pool their funds to pay a group to collect recyclables at a central drop-off point).

To receive funding, collection of as many residential recyclables as possible must be done at least once per month (or more). Collection can be at a central drop-off point or curbside. In addition, the governmental entity must also submit an official resolution whereby the local government agrees or disagrees with the current solid waste management plan.

Ongoing funding requires the collection to be maintained and all annual reports to be submitted by March 31 as required by the Solid Waste Management District. This includes a report on the items and volumes recycled from the residential recycling program and other information that the Solid Waste Management District may require. The jurisdiction will not qualify for current-year funding if these reports are not filed by the deadline.

The District may revise the payment amount based on the availability of funds.

Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Litter Prevention & Recycling Grants

Since 1995, the District has worked closely with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Recycling and Litter Prevention to secure nearly $3,000,000 in state-level grant funding to support local recycling and waste reduction programs. Beginning in 2012, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency assumed oversight of this program.

Ohio EPA's Recycling and Litter Prevention program supports communities, nonprofits, businesses, and academic institutions that initiate or expand recycling programs, encourage sustainable practices, stimulate economic growth, and support litter prevention efforts through four grants.

Grants are awarded on an annual basis. The 2024 grant cycle begins Monday, October 7th, 2024, and closes Friday, December 6th, 2024. See more information about the program and the application process (PDF).

Note: The 2020 Recycling and Litter Prevention grants program was suspended due to COVID-related financial constraints.

Community Recycling Grant

Local governments and nonprofits can receive funding to purchase equipment for collecting and processing recyclables and construction and demolition debris. These organizations can also receive funding to implement litter collection events, outreach, and education. Tire amnesty programs, with a minimum $0.50/tire collection fee, are eligible for local governments. Grantees have 12 months to complete the project (25% match).

Market Development Grant

This grant provides businesses (e.g., manufacturers, recyclers, material processors, etc.) opportunities to create or expand recycling processing capacity and recycled material production. This includes funding for equipment needed to remanufacture recyclable materials into bulk raw or finished products. This grant requires the business to have a government sponsor. Grant funds are reimbursed only after the government sponsor completes the project. Grantees have 24 months to complete the project (100% match - government sponsor required).

Academic Institution Grant

Public and private K-through-12 schools, colleges, and universities may receive funding for recycling efforts, outreach and education, recycling equipment, and conference sponsorships. Grantees have 12 months to complete the project. (25% match)

Scrap Tire Grant

This grant program offers businesses (e.g., manufacturers, scrap tire recovery facilities, material processors) funding to create or expand scrap tire processing capacity and product manufacturing. Funds are also available for local governments and nonprofits to complete beneficial use projects incorporating ground tire rubber. Business applicants must have a government sponsor. Grant funds for business applicants are reimbursed only after project completion through the government sponsor. Grantees have 24 months to complete the project. (100% match)