Buckeye Reporter

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is expanding the "Shine a Light on Dumpers" initiative by introducing $1 million in grants for community cleanup efforts. This expansion aims to assist local governments in addressing illegal dump sites and preventing future occurrences.

Yost stated, "Illegal dumping is an ugly, unhealthy problem no community should face. We’re providing real dollars to help with the cleanup efforts to take the load off local officials."

The announcement follows a successful case in Youngstown where technology from Yost's Environmental Enforcement Section aided in identifying illegal dumping. Mark Domascieno from Brookfield has been charged with improperly discarding 35 tires and will have a pretrial hearing on January 9.

The initiative, launched by Yost’s environmental team, includes public education, technical equipment loans, training, legal guidance, and now grant funding. Local governments can apply for up to $100,000 for cleanup and up to $20,000 for preventive measures like signs or barriers.

Applications are open until February 28, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis. Yost emphasized the widespread issue of illegal dumping: "From Youngstown to Cincinnati and points all around, illegal dumping – sadly – is happening everywhere."

Details about the Shine a Light on Dumpers grant application are available on the Attorney General’s website.