Funds for the grants are supported from the Solid Waste Management Fund that receives revenues from a pre-disposal fee levied on the purchase of new tires.
"Tennessee’s tire recycling program provides an environmentally sound disposal method, and it’s important that communities continue to focus on waste reduction as part of their overall waste management plan," said Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau.
The state recycles an estimated 55,000 tires per annum and these are diverted to be used as tire-derived fuel (TDF).
TDF helps conserve fossil fuels, reduce emissions and provides a waste-to-energy disposal method.
Other benefits realized from recycled in Tennessee include utilizing tire-derived aggregate in civil engineering projects, crumb rubber for asphalt paving and molded rubber products.
