Ohio EPA Kicks Off Southeast Beautification Project; Combats Illegal Dumping and Open Burning

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): Ohio EPA Director Anne M. Vogel kicked off the new Southeast Beautification Program, a three-pronged approach to combat the historic problem of open burning and illegal dumping in the area and promote recycling. The program includes $1.9 million in funding for litter cleanup events, special waste collection programs, educational programs, and new equipment for southeast solid waste management districts. It will also help schools develop recycling programs and expand residential waste pick-up.  Grants were allocated as follows to the solid waste districts across 15 counties in the region:

Athens-Hocking, $400,000
Gallia-Jackson-Meigs-Vinton, $400,000
Guernsey-Monroe-Morgan-Muskingum-Noble-Washington, $344,784
Lawrence-Scioto, $400,000
Pike, $399,146

“This funding represents a commitment from the Ohio EPA and our key local partners to take on one of the more persistent threats to human health and the environment,” Ohio EPA Director, Anne Vogel, said. “With a renewed focus on education, modern equipment, and innovative new approaches to trash collection, we are on the path to eliminating open burning and illegal dumping.”

Districts will use the funds to provide educational programming in K-12 schools, purchase equipment to expand recycling pick-up and drop-off options, conduct special clean up and waste collection events and expand opportunities for communities currently without recycling options.

Ohio EPA is also working with school districts in the region to develop recycling programs. A step-by-step toolkit is now available with resources to guide development and ensure successful programs. Free recycling bins are also available to the schools.  Expanding waste pick-up is the third prong of the project. Ohio EPA is partnering with local solid waste management districts and other organizations to develop a trash pick-up assistance program to residents.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com