Nonmetallics Department

Tire Clean-up Funds Shrinking

What was once a healthy source of funding in Florida for used-tire disposal has now diminished and been funneled to other projects, leaving counties without grants for tire disposal.

Each new tire purchased once included a $1 fee that helped pay for environmental programs and helped fund counties with money to recycle scrap tires. According to the St.Petersburg Times, the fee helped Citrus County recycle 500 tons of tires last year, including about 200 tons from illegal dumping sites. Although there is enough money to keep neighborhood recycling programs in service, the cleanup of illegal tire dumps will not continue.

The decreased funding will also mean the end of a contract with Mike Burns Enterprises as contractor for the cleanup of tire dumps in Citrus County, according to the newspaper.

Money the county received, about $152,000 in 2000, was only intended to help counties start recycling programs, not subsidize those efforts indefinitely, say some legislators. Grants were first given in 1989 and were only intended to continue for five years. Moderate participation and low commodity prices have contributed to the programs relying on the grant money.

In Citrus County’s case, state grants covered about one third of the cost of recycling programs, with the county picking up the remainder of the tab. None of the state money will be granted in 2002.

he county’s recycling budget was about $456,000 for the fiscal year, and included about $152,000 in state money. Grants included $60,000 for tire disposal, $77,000 for recycling education and $17,000 for litter prevention. None of that grant money will be in next year’s budget.

CALIFORNIA LAUNCHES EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN

California agencies and businesses have partnered for an eight-week public education campaign urging Californians to recycle. California’s beverage recycling rate dropped to 61% in 2000, with the campaign launched to curb the falling rate.

The campaign is being led by the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB), Sacramento, and the American Plastics Council, Arlington, Va. The effort includes placing in-store advertising and materials at 480 Albertson’s stores throughout California. A coupon book and weekly mailer will also be sent to most households.

Television and radio ads have also touted the recycling message. The California Beer and Beverage Distributors, the California/Nevada Soft Drink Association, the Dairy Institute of California and the state’s zoos are also supporting the campaign.

This is the third consecutive year the APC and CIWMB have sponsored this campaign. Last year’s effort is credited for a 20% jump in plastic bottle collection in select communities.