Dive Brief:
- The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the Montgomery County Solid Waste District in Ohio, will join the agency’s efforts to increase glass recycling.
- Montgomery County will receive a grant totaling $23,798 in order to kickstart a restaurant and bar recycling program in Dayton’s historical district. Establishments that enroll in a special project will receive complimentary recycling bins.
- The funds will also facilitate a roll-off container used exclusively for glass; residents can drop-off materials without paying a fee.
Dive Insight:
The Ohio EPA has set aside $1 million in funds to help expand glass collection and improve recycling within the state. In 2013, the state EPA started an initiative focused on expanding its glass recycling markets, which were experiencing a shortfall throughout Ohio. State manufacturers need glass to create new products. Current figures estimate the need at more than 275,000 tons annually. In order to assuage the gap, manufacturers have been importing glass from other states. At the same time, 90% of glass in Ohio is discarded into landfills.
In June 2014, a similar program, “Recycling on High” was launched in Columbus, OH. The focus was aimed at collecting glass at eateries located on North High Street, a popular area in the city.