Ohio Allocates $1 Million in Grants to Combat Illegal Dumping on Earth Day
COLUMBUS, Ohio — In honor of Earth Day, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced nearly $1 million in grants to help communities clean up illegal dump sites and prevent future environmental violations. The funding, part of Yost’s “Shine a Light on Dumpers” initiative, will support more than two dozen local governments across the state.
“Illegal dumping isn’t just an eyesore—it’s a health hazard and a betrayal of our communities,” Yost said. “These grants empower local leaders to restore the places where Ohioans live, work, and raise their families.”
The initiative, launched in 2023, is funded through settlement dollars secured by the Attorney General’s Environmental Enforcement team. Grants of up to $100,000 were awarded for cleanup efforts, while applicants could also request up to $20,000 for equipment to deter future dumping.
Where the Money Is Going
Central Ohio
- Clinton Township (Knox County) – Equipment for waste prevention
- Fairfield County Health Department – Equipment to monitor dumping
- Madison Township (Fairfield County) – Cleanup and enforcement tools
- Marion Public Health – Site cleanup
Northeast Ohio
- Akron-Canton Airport (Summit County) – Surveillance and prevention tools
- Austintown Township (Mahoning County) – Equipment upgrades
- City of Canton (Stark County) – Anti-dumping measures
- City of Elyria (Lorain County) – Enforcement resources
- City of Euclid (Cuyahoga County) – Waste management tools
- Copley Township (Summit County) – Prevention equipment
- Warren Township (Trumbull County) – Cleanup and enforcement
- Washington Township (Columbiana County) – Monitoring gear
Southeast Ohio
- Adams-Clermont Solid Waste District – Cleanup and prevention
- Brush Creek Township (Adams County) – Site restoration
- Hocking County Health Department – Cleanup and equipment
- Jefferson Soil & Water Conservation District – Enforcement and cleanup
- Marion Township (Morgan County) – Waste removal
- Smith Township (Belmont County) – Cleanup and deterrence tools
Northwest Ohio
- Auglaize County – Illegal dump cleanup
- Richland County Sheriff’s Office – Enforcement equipment
- Village of Harrod (Allen County) – Cleanup and prevention
Southwest Ohio
- City of Dayton (Montgomery County) – Cleanup and enforcement
- Hamilton Township (Warren County) – Waste removal
- Harrison Township (Montgomery County) – Cleanup and equipment
- Village of New Richmond (Clermont County) – Restoration and prevention
- Village of Seven Mile (Butler County) – Monitoring tools
- Washington Township (Clermont County) – Equipment upgrades
A Statewide Push for Cleaner Communities
The grants come as Ohio intensifies efforts to crack down on illegal dumping, which poses environmental risks and strains local resources. By providing both cleanup funds and prevention tools, the program aims to create long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.
“This isn’t just about picking up trash—it’s about protecting our land and water for future generations,” Yost emphasized.
With Earth Day as a backdrop, the initiative highlights Ohio’s commitment to environmental stewardship while addressing a persistent issue affecting rural and urban areas alike.
— Reported by Nexio News
