Recycling organization awards grant dollars

PORT CLINTON — The area's premier recycling organization awarded almost $40,000 in grants to organizations with recycling programs. The Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca Joint Solid Waste Management District awards thousands of dollars in grants several times throughout the year. "These grants provide an opportunity for local organizations to create or expand recycling programs," said Amy Drummer, the organization's assistant director. "The purchase of recycled products provides the public examples of items that are made from the materials they recycle every day."Organizations from Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca counties competed for grant dollars to fund recycle-related projects. The grant program's priority is focused on creating recycling programs for schools, government entities, and non-profit groups, according to a news release. To qualify for grant funds, a submitting agency must have a recycling program in place. Additionally, the agency must match at least 20 percent of its total recycling project's cost.In total, eight organizations and entities received funding during this grant cycle. Among those awarded by county: Ottawa County• Allen Township Trustees: $2,000 to make improvements to their Aim to Be Green Recycling drop-off site with new fencing and a concrete pad• Ottawa County Agricultural Society: $1,916 to establish a recycling program and to purchase benches• Portage Township Trustees: $7,367 for picnic tables, waste receptacles, a planter, bench and a pet waste station• Put-in-Bay Senior Center: $4,810 to purchase recycled carpetSandusky County• Sandco Industries: $6,537 to purchase pavers, benches and picnic tablesSeneca County• Franciscan Earth Literacy Center: $2,782 to buy picnic tables and waste receptacles• Good Shepherd Home: $3,839 for recycling services• Tiffin Parks and Recreation Department: $9,448 to purchase a new barn roof for the barn near the city poolOrganizations in Ottawa, Sandusky or Seneca counties can apply for grant funding during the next cycle, which ends June 30. Grant applicants must attend an informational meeting on the grant application process. The meeting is set for 10 a.m. May 23 at 1875 E. State Street, Fremont.For more information, contact Drummer at 1-888-850-7224 or by email at ad@recycleoss.org. Reach reporter Patrick Pfanner at pfanner@sanduskyregister.com, follow him on Twitter @PatPfanner and follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegister