New tire fees in Nebraska to fund local recycled tire projects

Fees applied to new tire purchases across Nebraska will now fund tire recycling and clean projects at 63 sites across the state — including three in Omaha and another in Elkhorn.

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy said in a press release Tuesday that $968,000 will be awarded to local efforts dealing with scrap tires. The grant was funded by a $1 fee applied to all new tires purchased in Nebraska, the release states.

The funding is projected to clean up over 400,000 tires.

In Omaha, College of St. Mary will use the recycled tire rubber for an artificial turf soccer field. Faith Westwood United Methodist Church will use 3,900 pounds of recycled rubber for playground mulch. The city of Omaha will also collect 300 tons for use in Douglas County.

Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Elkhorn will also use recycled rubber for a playground base.

To see what other projects will be funded by the 2019 Scrap Tire grant, check the

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