COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced an expansion of the “Shine a Light on Dumpers” initiative, introducing $1 million in grant funding to assist local governments with cleaning up illegal dump sites and implementing preventive measures.
“Illegal dumping is an ugly, unhealthy problem no community should face,” Yost said. “We’re providing real dollars to help with the cleanup efforts to take the load off local officials.”
The new grants, effective December 5, provide funding for two purposes: up to $100,000 for cleanup of existing illegal dump sites and up to $20,000 for preventive tools like signage, gates, or barriers to deter future dumping. Applications are open now through February 28, 2025, or until the funds are fully allocated.
This announcement builds on the success of the “Shine a Light on Dumpers” initiative, which was launched by Yost’s Environmental Enforcement Section to combat illegal dumping through public education, equipment loans, training, and legal guidance. The program has already shown results, including a recent case in Youngstown where technology from the initiative helped authorities identify illegal activity.
Brookfield resident Mark Domascieno has been charged with dumping 35 tires and is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on January 9.
“From Youngstown to Cincinnati and points all around, illegal dumping – sadly – is happening everywhere,” Yost said. “By holding offenders accountable and cleaning up illegal dump sites, we’re working to restore the beauty and health of our local neighborhoods.”
Local governments can apply for the grants, which are awarded on a rolling basis. The application is available on the Attorney General’s website. Yost encourages communities to take advantage of the funding to address illegal dumping and protect public health.