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$6.7 million awarded to Waste and Litter Reduction, Recycling and Scrap Tire Grants

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy Director Jim Macy announced Feb. 16 the award of $6,679,007 in grants to support 155 projects across the state. These grants will help fund litter and waste reduction projects, recycling programs, and pay costs for scrap tire cleanups and collections for household hazardous waste, electronic waste, and pharmaceuticals.

“There were many outstanding applications submitted to NDEE this year,” Macy said. “These grants will assist many important local efforts to promote litter and waste reduction and help handle the costs of proper disposal of many materials, such as household hazardous waste and scrap tires.”


Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive funds are generated by a fee on solid waste disposed of in landfills, an annual retail business sales fee, and a fee assessed on the sale of new tires. Grants are provided to local integrated waste management projects, and can include recycling systems, household hazardous waste collections, and composting. For 2022, 27 projects totaling $2,167,173 were funded under the Business Fee and Disposal Fee categories.

Also included in the Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive program are Scrap Tire funds, which are generated from a $1 fee on new tires purchased in Nebraska. In 2022, 77 grants totaling $2,332,563 were awarded. These grants will fund 33 scrap tire cleanup events across Nebraska. Enough funding was awarded to cleanup up 8,695 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.


Litter Reduction and Recycling funds are generated from a fee charged to certain manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of products that commonly contribute to litter. The program has provided grants annually since 1979. In 2022, 51 litter grants totaling $2,179,271 were awarded in the public education, cleanup, and recycling categories. Public education programs educate citizens on litter reduction and recycling through a variety of school and community activities. Cleanup grants provide funding for Nebraska organizations with volunteers who pick up litter and debris along Nebraska’s roadways, waterways, recreation lands, urban areas, and other public use areas within the state. Not only are the public areas improved through the removal of litter, but also much of the material collected is recycled. Recycling programs provide an alternative to the disposal of solid waste in Nebraska’s landfills. Priority is given to programs that promote markets for recycled materials or purchasing products made from recycled materials.

Grant applications for 2023 will be available in early July 2022. Please check our website or contact
ndee.wastegrants@nebraska.gov for more information.

Below is a summary of the 2022 grant awards by city:




City
Organization
Program Category
Amount Awarded
Project Description
Ainsworth
KBR Solid Waste Committee
Scrap Tire
$30,852
Proposed 200-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
Albion
City of Albion, Nebraska
Scrap Tire
$13,685
Proposed 100-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
Alliance
Alliance Recreation Center
Scrap Tire
$6,100
50% reimbursement for rubber mulch.
Alliance
Keep Alliance Beautiful
Scrap Tire
$6,473
50% reimbursement for rubber mulch using 40,000 lbs rubber.
Alliance
Keep Alliance Beautiful
Business Fee
$108,637
Funds for the recycling center operations for Box Butte Co., and surrounding areas, and waste reduction and recycling education programs. To date KAB has collected 394,334 of recycled materials.
Alliance
Keep Alliance Beautiful
Recycling
$60,024
Funds to operate the recycling center in Alliance serving Box Butte County.
Alliance
Keep Alliance Beautiful
Public Education
$68,372
Public education for waste reduction and litter prevention to Box Butte County students and residents. Teach practical habits to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Alma
Lower Republican Natural Resource District
Scrap Tire
$11,982
Proposed 100-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
Alma
Lower Republican Natural Resource District
Scrap Tire
$20,607
Proposed 175-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
Alma
Lower Republican Natural Resource District
Scrap Tire
$17,732
Proposed 150-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
Arlington
Arlington Youth Sports
Scrap Tire
$3,097
50% reimbursement for rubber mulch using 34,000 lbs rubber.
Beatrice
Keep Beatrice Beautiful, Inc.
Cleanup
$6,200
Cleanup 100 miles and 60 acres in Gage County.
Beatrice
Keep Beatrice Beautiful, Inc.
Public Education
$35,628
Public education to promote litter reduction and recycling. Partner with the City of Beatrice and Gage County.
Bellevue
Bellevue Public Schools
Scrap Tire
$87,471
25% reimbursement for track.
Bloomfield
Bloomfield Community Schools
Scrap Tire
$400
50% reimbursement for rubber mulch.
Blue Hill
Blue Hill Community Schools
Scrap Tire
$4,035
50% reimbursement for rubber mulch and 25% reimbursement for mats.
Bridgeport
Bridgeport Public Schools
Scrap Tire
$6,468
25% reimbursement and 50% reimbursement for rubber mulch.
Burwell
Loup Basin RC&D Council/Keep Loup Basin Beautiful
Public Education
$47,805
Public education for litter prevention, waste reduction, and recycling in Central and North Central Nebraska.
Cairo
Centura Public Schools
Scrap Tire
$6,438
25% for poured in place
Cairo
Village of Cairo
Scrap Tire
$6,560
Proposed 50% reimbursement for rubber mulch.
Central City
Central City Public Schools
Scrap Tire
$1,650
50% reimbursement for rubber mulch.
Chadron
Solid Waste Agency of Northwest Nebraska (SWANN)
Scrap Tire
$27,383
Proposed 150-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
Chadron
Keep Chadron Beautiful
Business Fee
$63,776
Funds to continue the cardboard and paper recycling program in the City of Chadron.
Chadron
Keep Chadron Beautiful
Cleanup
$5,152
Cleanup 100 miles in Dawes County.
Chadron
Keep Chadron Beautiful
Public Education
$73,735
Public education to establish new attitudes and behaviors toward litter reduction and recycling. Conduct community presentations, help with litter-free events, and offer educational after-school programs.
Columbus
City of Columbus
Scrap Tire
$28,852
Proposed 250-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
Columbus
Keep Columbus Beautiful, Inc.
Business Fee
$24,515
Funds to host a one-day HHW event for the residents of Platte County.
Columbus
Keep Columbus Beautiful
Business Fee
$12,549
Funds to host an E-Waste event for the City of Columbus.
Columbus
Keep Columbus Beautiful
Recycling
$26,930
Provide services to mov­­e recyclable materials collected in Columbus to the recycling center in Schuyler.
Columbus
Keep Columbus Beautiful
Public Education
$39,260
Public education for schools, businesses, and organizations to increase recycling and raise awareness for litter prevention in Platte County.
Cozad
City of Cozad
Scrap Tire
$14,806
Proposed 100-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
Crofton
City of Crofton
Recycling
$1,999
Funding for recycling program for the City of Crofton.
Dalton
Leyton Public School
Scrap Tire
$25,860
25% reimbursement for a new track.
Davenport
Little Blue Natural Resources District
Scrap Tire
$29,232
Proposed 250-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
Davenport
Little Blue Natural Resources District
Scrap Tire
$29,232
Proposed 250-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
Davenport
Little Blue Natural Resources District
Scrap Tire
$32,107
Proposed 275-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
Diller
Village of Diller
Recycling
$4,547
Funding for staff to transport the recycling trailer to dispose recycled materials at the City of Beatrice recycling center.
Edgar
City of Edgar
Scrap Tire
$620
50% reimbursement for rubber mulch.
Fairfield
Sandy Creek Public School
Scrap Tire
$13,040
25% reimbursement to resurface track.
Falls City
Hamilton Recycling & Disposal
Recycling
$127,500
Funding for building improvements and equipment for Hamilton Recycling waste management company.
Fort Calhoun
Fort Calhoun Community Schools
Scrap Tire
$2,666
25% reimbursement for rubber tiles and turf.
Fremont
Friends of the Fremont Area Parks
Scrap Tire
$6,219
25% reimbursement for rubber surface using 21,250 lbs rubber.
Fremont
Growing Hearts Academy
Scrap Tire
$2,625
25% reimbursement of a poured-in-place surface using 3,100 lbs rubber.
Fremont
Keep Fremont Beautiful, Inc
Business Fee
$29,221
Funds for a HHW collection event for the citizens of Fremont County.
Fremont
Keep Fremont Beautiful, Inc.
Public Education
$78,180
Public education to promote greater public awareness regarding environmental issues, increase community participation in litter reduction, recycling, and proper waste disposal efforts.
Geneva
Fillmore Central Schools
Scrap Tire
$13,000
25% reimbursement for track using 11,950 lbs of rubber.
Grand Island
Grand Island Area Clean Community System
Business Fee
$148,217
Funds to operate the Betty Curtis Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility for Hall, Hamilton, Howard, Merrick, and Adams counties.
Grand Island
Grand Island Area Clean Community System
Cleanup
$6,000
Cleanup 100 miles and 50 acres around Hall County.
Grand Island
Grand Island Area Clean Community System
Public Education
$49,486
Public education on litter, recycling, and reuse, and proper disposal of household chemicals through presentations to adults and youth in Hall County.
GretnaGretna Public SchoolsScrap Tire$180,397 25% reimbursement for turf.
HarrisburgBanner County SchoolScrap Tire$1,225 50% reimbursement for rubber mulch.
HartingtonCedar CountyScrap Tire$69,846 Proposed 550-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
HastingsCity of HastingsScrap Tire$27,602 25% reimbursement for rubber in poured-in-place surface.
HastingsCity of HastingsDisposal Fee$20,000 Funds to host a two-day E-Waste event for the residents of Adams County, NE.
Hayes CenterHayes CountyScrap Tire$20,376 Proposed 125-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
HoldregeBethel Lutheran ChurchScrap Tire$2,722 50% reimbursement for rubber mulch.
HoldregeCity of HoldregeScrap Tire$46,161 Proposed 350-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
HomerVillage of HomerScrap Tire$2,514 50% reimbursement of rubber mulch.
KearneyNew Life AssemblyScrap Tire$9,157 50% reimbursement for rubber mulch using 2,475 cf of rubber.
KearneyCity Of Kearney/ Kearney Area Recycling CenterScrap Tire$40,300 Proposed 325-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
KearneyCorey CruzanScrap Tire$586 50% reimbursement using 4,000 lbs crumb rubber
KearneyBoard of Regents University of Nebraska dba UNKRecycling$1,474 Promote recycling on campus and reduce the overall waste on campus through advertisements and different education sessions at campus events.
KimballKeep Kimball BeautifulBusiness Fee$17,094 Provide collection services to the rural areas around Kimball.
KimballKeep Kimball BeautifulRecycling$53,711 Funds to operate the Kimball Recycling Center serving Kimball County.
KimballKeep Kimball BeautifulPublic Education$24,928 Public education for Kimball and the surrounding area concerning litter prevention and proper waste management. Work with Kimball Public Schools and Banner County School.
La VistaParkview Heights Elementary SchoolRecycling$1,900 Funding for recycling bins and recycling services provided to Parkview Heights Elementary School.
LexingtonLexington Area Solid Waste AgencyBusiness Fee$28,242 Funds to hold one event in the Fall of 2022 collection to over 45,000 people in Central Nebraska.
LexingtonKeep Lexington BeautifulRecycling$22,047 Conduct two paper shredding events in Lexington, service five recycling trailers, and support cleanups in the area.
LexingtonKeep Lexington BeautifulPublic Education$31,674 Public education to reduce waste and improve recycling efforts to Lexington Public Schools through afterschool and summer programs.
LincolnCathedral of the Risen ChristScrap Tire$4,648 50% reimbursement for rubber mulch using 32,000 lbs rubber.
LincolnLincoln Public SchoolsScrap Tire$100,028 25% reimbursement for turf.
LincolnLincoln Public SchoolsScrap Tire$72,998 25% reimbursement for turf.
LincolnNebraska Game & Parks CommissionScrap Tire$11,122 25% reimbursement for picnic tables.
LincolnLincoln Public SchoolsScrap Tire$72,998 25% reimbursement for turf.
LincolnLincoln Public SchoolsScrap Tire$72,675 25% reimbursement for turf.
LincolnLincoln Public SchoolsScrap Tire$79,375 25% reimbursement for turf.
LincolnKeep Nebraska BeautifulBusiness Fee$93,098 Funds to operate the Materials Exchange Program Food Waste Program (yearlong social media campaign to reduce food waste) and Used Oil Program (collecting oil and anti-freeze at 62 collection sites in 58 counties across Nebraska).
LincolnJoslyn Institute for Sustainable CommunitiesBusiness Fee$9,600 Food and construction materials resale markets.
LincolnLincoln - Lancaster County Health DepartmentDisposal Fee$326,162 Funds to operate the HHW facility, educate the public on recycling.
LincolnCity of LincolnDisposal Fee$231,101 Funds to improve the organic waste diversion for compost in the City of Lincoln.
LincolnBoard of Regents, University of Nebraska, University of Nebraska-Disposal Fee$69,372 UNL pairs engineering students during the summer to collect data and assist with waste/ volume reduction methods at the source as well as recycling solutions for these businesses.
LincolnLincoln Public SchoolsBusiness Fee$51,962 Funds to continue funding the recycling program at Lincoln Public Schools and to expand the efforts by purchasing equipment to replace departing contractor’s equipment.
LincolnCity of LincolnPublic Education$163,793 Updated waste characterization study; educational signage for the City and County buildings and education module for the staff. Marketing and educational materials for EarthFuel Compost.
LincolnNebraska Recycling CouncilPublic Education$91,368 Outreach and education programs that provide recycling and materials management, technical assistance, instructional publications, waste assessment and audits, and develop Nebraska's composting industry.
LincolnNebraska Recycling CouncilRecycling$49,967 Hub & Spoke Program to stabilize the operation of rural recycling centers.
LincolnLincoln - Lancaster County Health DepartmentPublic Education$133,333 Public education for litter prevention, reduce landfill waste, and proper waste management practices for Lancaster County. Stormwater awareness program, cigarette litter, and illegal dumping prevention.
LincolnKeep Nebraska BeautifulPublic Education$106,040 Operate the Litter Hotline to increase community awareness of litter. Educate K-12 students with the litter-free school zones program. Help develop after-school curriculum focusing on food waste and resource management.
LoomisLoomis Public SchoolsScrap Tire$2,025 50% reimbursement for rubber mulch.
LouisvilleKeep Cass County BeautifulBusiness Fee$1,800 Funds for educational materials and to hold four electronic waste recycling events for Cass County. Cross Training Center (OMA) will take items collected at no cost.
LouisvilleKeep Cass County BeautifulCleanup$1,200 Cleanup 12 miles and 60 acres in Cass County.
LouisvilleKeep Cass County BeautifulPublic Education$58,856 Education and resources for litter prevention and waste reduction; presentations for six school districts and youth groups, environmental fair for 300 fifth graders and other public events.
Loup CityBowman Lake Recreation AreaScrap Tire$319 25% reimbursement for park benches.
MadisonCity of MadisonRecycling$23,481 Funding for 50% of the concrete pad 85'x 86' for their recycling center.
McCookRed Willow CountyDisposal Fee$169,456 Operate a HHW center and assist in HHW events in Nebraska with collection and disposal.
MindenKearney CountyScrap Tire$25,830 Proposed cleanup of 200 Tons.
MindenCity of MindenRecycling$75,000 Funding for a trommel screen to help remove trash and recycle materials from the compost thus making the compost available to the public. The city currently has approximately 1,500 tons of compost filled with litter and recyclable materials mixed.
Nebraska CityCounty of OtoeScrap Tire$61,006 Proposed 450-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
Nebraska CityKeep Nebraska City BeautifulPublic Education$46,236 Public education to increase recycling, promote litter reduction, and food waste reduction through school programs and community presentations in Nebraska City.
NelsonNuckolls County Road DepartmentScrap Tire$16,620 Proposed 120-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
NorfolkKeep Norfolk BeautifulPublic Education$27,886 Public education to teach youth about the importance of litter prevention, proper recycling practices, and instill proper waste handling habits in Madison County.
North PlatteKeep North Platte and Lincoln County BeautifulCleanup$16,314 Supplies and cleanup 320 miles within Lincoln County.
North PlatteKeep North Platte and Lincoln County BeautifulRecycling$39,937 Programs to reduce waste generated and increase recyclables collected using reputable end-markets. Partner with schools and businesses. Plan to increase the collection of recyclables, electronics, non-contaminated yard waste, and household hazardous waste.
North PlatteKeep North Platte and Lincoln County BeautifulPublic Education$102,172 Public education to encourage waste reduction and litter free environment. Focus on purchasing with recycling in mind, food waste reduction, and composting.
OaklandNebraska Loess Hills RC&D CouncilBusiness Fee$18,022 Conduct 3 hazardous waste collection events in Cuming, Dakota, and Burt Counties.
OgallalaKeith County NebraskaScrap Tire$40,000 Proposed 300-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
OgallalaWestern Resources GroupBusiness Fee$65,602 Funds to develop a secondary market for processed cardboard for post-consumer animal bedding.
OgallalaWestern Resources GroupBusiness Fee$191,951 Funds to support the organization’s expansions into small animal bedding that is using recycled shredded cardboard.
OgallalaKeep Keith County BeautifulBusiness Fee$19,584 Funds for the continuation of litter reduction and recycling at Lake McConaughy through the Recycle McConaughy program and purchasing recycling containers (3 6-bin).
OgallalaKeep Keith County BeautifulCleanup$3,000 Cleanup 60 miles in Keith County.
OgallalaKeep Keith County BeautifulPublic Education$135,704 Public education on litter reduction through source reduction, recycling right, food waste elimination, and sustainable waste management.
OmahaMillard Public SchoolsScrap Tire$65,360 25% reimbursement for turf.
OmahaCity of OmahaScrap Tire$78,100 Proposed 400-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
OmahaCity of Omaha -- UnderTheSink HHW FacilityDisposal Fee$362,413 Funds for the Omaha’s UndertheSink HHW facility serving Douglas & Sarpy counties.
OmahaKeep Omaha BeautifulCleanup$7,235 Supplies to support 500 cleanup events in Omaha.
OmahaOpen Door MissionRecycling$24,130 Funding for 127 plastic gaylords to process and redistribute donated items.
OmahaOmaha Hebrew Academy dba Friedel Jewish AcademyRecycling$1,861 Funding to purchase 3 of the three-stream bins for trash, recycling, and composting for the school.
OmahaKeep Omaha BeautifulPublic Education$149,850 Public education program focused on litter prevention, waste reduction, recycling, and composting through school based educational programming, community-based outreach and partnership, curriculum certification workshops, and a digital-based "Recycle Right" campaign.
O'NeillNorth Central District Health DepartmentScrap Tire$41,128 Proposed 300-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
O'NeillNorth Central District Health DepartmentScrap Tire$48,028 Proposed 300-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
OxfordVillage of OxfordScrap Tire$2,825 Proposed 50% reimbursement for rubber mulch.
OxfordVillage of OxfordScrap Tire$1,872 50% reimbursement for rubber mulch.
PalisadeVillage of PalisadeScrap Tire$18,671 Proposed 125-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
PapillionSarpy CountyScrap Tire$82,250 Proposed 650-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
PapillionTrumble Park Elementary Parent Teacher OrganizationPublic Education$1,000 Funding for recycling bins and recycling services provided to the elementary school.
Pawnee CityPawnee CountyScrap Tire$8,902 Proposed 75-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
PiercePierce CountyScrap Tire$15,520 Proposed 150-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
PlattsmouthPlattsmouth Community SchoolsScrap Tire$29,266 25% reimbursement for new track.
PotterVillage of PotterScrap Tire$7,215 Proposed 50% reimbursement for rubber mulch.
RalstonRalston Public SchoolsScrap Tire$103,909 25% reimbursement for track and turf.
SchuylerDivine Mercy ParishScrap Tire$1,248 25% reimbursement for rubber mulch using 4,500 lbs rubber.
SchuylerKeep Schuyler BeautifulRecycling$45,287 Operating expenses for the Colfax County Recycling Facility.
ScottsbluffKeep Scottsbluff Gering BeautifulBusiness Fee$53,405 Funds to host both HHW and Pharmaceutical take back events for Scottsbluff, Gering, and surrounding residents.
ScottsbluffKeep Scottsbluff Gering BeautifulCleanup$7,353 Cleanup 100 miles in Scottsbluff County.
ScottsbluffKeep Scottsbluff Gering BeautifulPublic Education$38,994 Educational programs on litter prevention, waste reduction, recycling, and Earth Day Celebration.
SidneyCity of SidneyDisposal Fee$24,796 Funds to staff City of Sidney’s recycling program, assisting with the increase amount of recycled material collected and reduce the amount of waste transported to the landfill.
SidneyKeep Sidney BeautifulCleanup$465 Funding for supplies to support cleanup activities in Cheyenne County.
SidneyKeep Sidney BeautifulPublic Education$31,070 Promote public education and programming for public waste reduction initiatives and large community clean up events.
South Sioux CityCity of South Sioux CityCleanup$2,930 Supplies to support cleanup in South Sioux City parks.
SpencerVillage of SpencerScrap Tire$49,761 Proposed cleanup of 325 Tons
StapletonVillage of StapletonScrap Tire$29,331 Proposed cleanup of 200 Tons
SteinauerSteinauer Community Club/Village of SteinauerCleanup$500 Cleanup 10 miles in the Village of Steinauer.
StockvilleFrontier CountyScrap Tire$20,806 Proposed 150-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
TecumsehCity of TecumsehScrap Tire$1,183 25% reimbursement for the purchase of picnic tables.
TekamahPapio Missouri River NRDScrap Tire$120,812 Proposed 800-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
TekamahPapio Missouri River NRDRecycling$24,300 Funding to conduct four electronic waste recycling collection at NRD/USDA Service Centers in Washington, Curt, Thurston, and Dakota counties.
ValentineNC RC&DBusiness Fee$11,098 Funds for three HHW events in Spencer, Stuart, and O’Neill, Nebraska.
VerdigreVillage of VerdigreRecycling$3,457 Funding for part-time employee to aid with the recycling effort.
WahooSaunders County Highway DeptScrap Tire$29,201 Proposed 250-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
WakefieldWakefield Community SchoolScrap Tire$97,707 25% reimbursement for rubber turf.
WausaThabor Tots childcare CenterScrap Tire$3,187 50% reimbursement for rubber mulch and rubber boarder.
WayneCity of WayneDisposal Fee$6,622 Funds to offer a convenient household battery recycling program at no charge to the public within the City of Wayne community.
WayneCity of WayneDisposal Fee$8,878 Funds to host an annual E-Waste event in September for the community of the City of Wayne.
WilberThe Gingerbread HouseScrap Tire$372 25% reimbursement for rubber mats and 50% rubber mulch.
WilberSaline CountyScrap Tire$22,660 Proposed 200-ton of scrap tire cleanup.
YorkYork Area Solid Waste AgencyScrap Tire$43,528 Proposed 350-ton of scrap tire cleanup.

(See attached file: 2022 Table of Grantees.pdf)

SizeFile Name
160 KB 2022 Table of Grantees.pdf