LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy Director Jim Macy announced the award of $6,686,369 in grants to support 144 projects across the state. Middle Niobrara NRD and North Central RC&D was awarded one of the grants to host a scrap tire collection.
Mike Murphy, General Manager of MNNRD comments, “Cherry County has not had a scrap tire collection since 2004 or 2005. Part of our work at MNNRD includes efforts to sustain and improve the environment. North Central RC&D promotes and leads recycling efforts in North Central Nebraska. Together, we can bring the tire collection to our area.”
“Collections are set for Thursday, April 8 and Friday, April 9, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm each day.” reports RC&D President, Mike Burge. “Bring your scrap tires to the empty lot on N Green Street East of the High School. The City of Valentine is providing this site to collect the tires. All sizes of car, truck, semi and tractor tires will be accepted. The goal- properly dispose of 300 tons of scrap tires. RC&D is pleased to add the tire amnesty to the list of recycling collections we have brought to those in the 6 counties we serve.
Guidelines: Collection is first come, first serve. No rims will be accepted. No tire retailers. No assistance unloading tires so plan accordingly. The volume of tires accepted is based on weight, 300 ton total is the grant limit. To help not exceed this goal, please bring either the count of each type of tire or total weight when you drop your tires off.
Resource Management of Brownell, KS will recycle the tires collected during the event– the tires will be converted into feed bunks, silage cover weights, and alternate daily cover for landfills.
Scrap Tire funds are a component of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Program. These funds are generated from a $1 fee on new tires purchased in Nebraska. In 2021, 60 grants totaling $1,535,068 were awarded. These grants will fund 13 scrap tire cleanup events across Nebraska. Enough funding was awarded to cleanup up 3,925 tons of scrap tires. Funds will also be used to partially reimburse the cost of many products made from recycled scrap tires, such as artificial turf football, soccer, baseball, and softball fields, athletic running tracks, and playground surfacing.
Grant applications for 2022 will be available in early July 2021. Please check our website or contact ndeq.wastegrants@nebraska.gov for more information.