Local Government Scrap Tire Abatement Reimbursement

Caption

Since the start of the program, 1,450,918 passenger tire equivalents (PTEs) have been removed and recycled statewide. Local governments have been reimbursed $3.9 million to cover the costs of removing, transporting, and processing the tires.

EPD is committed to cleaning up scrap tires in Georgia and encourages local governments to assist with this effort by applying to the Local Government Scrap Tire Abatement Reimbursement (STAR) Grant. Cities, counties, and solid waste management authorities are eligible for this grant that covers the costs of removing, transporting, and processing scrap tires cleaned up from scrap tire dumps; removed from city and county right-of-ways; and collected during scrap tire amnesty events. 

The grant is funded through the Solid Waste Trust Fund, which is itself funded by a fee on the sale of new tires in Georgia. EPD's Recovered Materials Unit administers the STAR grant to assist local governments with the safe removal and recycling of scrap tires. 

Local government applicants are eligible to receive up to $75,000 per state fiscal year. 

FY25 Updates

SWTF Grant Program Administration Portal

The SWTF Grant Program Administration Portal is an online grant management platform. Previously, applications and reimbursement requests were downloaded by applicants and awardees and then emailed to SWTF Grant Program Staff. FY25 applicants and awardees may complete and submit applications, reports, and reimbursement requests online through the STAR Grant Portal.

Transition Timeline

Applicants of the STAR Grant who have submitted applications prior to August 15, 2024, and existing awardees may continue to submit reporting via email to [email protected]. However, all new applications for FY25 projects submitted after August 15, 2024, and subsequent reporting must be submitted through the STAR Grant Portal.

STAR Grant and Portal Training Webinar

Beneficial Reuse of Scrap Tires

All tires collected through the STAR grant must be taken to a permitted or approved  beneficial reuse scrap tire processor  for recycling. Local governments have the option to remove tires collected by the selected processor or a permitted tire carrier . If tires are carried by a company others than a beneficial reuse processor, those tires must be taken to a beneficial reuse processor. It is the responsibility of the local government to maintain manifests that show tires generated at cleanups are recycled. 

How can I learn more about the STAR Grant and tire cleanups?

Start by reviewing the General STAR Guidelines  and the newly created STAR Guidance for Applications  and STAR Guidance for Reports documents. If you are interested in hosting a scrap tire amnesty event, please see the FAQs below right and the amnesty event guidelines below. If you have any questions, contact the SWTF Grant Team at [email protected].

How do I apply to the STAR Grant?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and awarded first-come, first-served, contingent on funding availability and demand.

New applications for FY25 projects submitted after August 1, 2024, and subsequent reporting must be submitted through the STAR Grant Portal. Applicants of the STAR Grant who have submitted applications prior to August 1, 2024, and existing awardees may continue to submit reporting via email to [email protected].

Information on how to set up a profile to access the RWD Grant Portal can be viewed in the   SWTF Grant Program Profile Set-up Guide  .

Information on how to use the portal can be reviewed in the STAR Grant Portal Guide . 

See below for additional resources:  

Amnesty Event

• Amnesty Event Guidelines

• Amnesty Event Application

• Amnesty Reporting Form
   

Important Update: EPD requires a minimum 90 days to process applications. Scrap tire collection or amnesty events need to be scheduled at least 90 days in advance of when the applications are received by EPD. Applications that do not meet this requirement may be rejected and applicants may be asked to reschedule their projects. 

Right-of-Way Project 

• Right-of-Way Project Guidelines
• Right-of-Way Project Application
• Right-of-Way Reporting Form
   

Dump Cleanup

• Dump Cleanup Application
• Dump Cleanup Reporting Form

Signature Page

• STAR Application Signature Page

STAR Q&A

FY25 STAR Q&A - updated September 5, 2024

STAR Informational Webinar Presentation

STAR Informational Webinar Presentation - February 29, 2024

What if I collect more tires than estimated?

EPD realizes that the information in your original STAR application and project agreement is based on estimates and sometimes, those estimates will be off. If this happens, notify EPD as soon as possible and submit an amendment application. The guidelines and application below are for amnesty events and/or right-of-way projects. 

• STAR Amendment Guidelines

• STAR Amendment Application

How do I report a suspected tire dump?

To report a suspected tire dump, or for other scrap or used tire complaints, please contact the EPD compliance specialist for your county.