News Release

COLUMBUS, OH -- Four Ohio solid waste management districts have been awarded a total of $129,027 in recycling Focus Grants, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) announced today. The grants are aimed at establishing and expanding recycling programs in multi-family housing units.

Receiving Focus Grants are: the Athens-Hocking Joint Solid Waste District, $35,011; Butler County Solid Waste District, $23,498; Mahoning County Solid Waste District, $35,518; and Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio, $35,000.

"These grants will help make recycling easier and more convenient for Ohioans living in apartments, condominiums and other multi-family housing units -- where recycling opportunities are often limited," said ODNR Director Sam Speck.

According to Speck, grant funding will help local communities purchase recycling containers and seek expanded recycling services. Funds will also be used for recycling awareness and education programs.

The Focus Grant program, administered by the ODNR Division of Recycling and Litter Prevention, targets a different recycling, waste reduction or litter prevention activity each year. Grant funding for 1999 offers Ohio communities and solid waste management districts an opportunity to improve recycling in buildings with four or more residential units.