The reckless discarding of scrap tires on the state's roadsides, parks, vacant lots and open spaces compounds this problem. Additionally, Shinn cited Ocean County as having an aggressive scrap tire management program and said the county has a high degree of initiative regarding environmental management. He noted that it has implemented several successful recycling initiatives over the last several years including a recycling revenue sharing program where municipal recycling programs receive a share of the profits from county recycling program to improve recycling projects. He also noted the county has been progressive in other areas by awarding grants to municipalities to upgrade recycling efforts. The success of Ocean's recycling programs shows us that Ocean's residents and officials have stepped up to the plate and are using these initiatives to properly dispose of waste materials thereby helping to create a healthier, cleaner, safer environment for us all.
Ocean County is the third to receive a tire-recycling grant for scrap tire collection and recycling.
The funding is based on the Clean Communities Program formula for road miles since abandoned tires are a form of litter. According to Shinn, the county's tire recycling grant represents just one aspect of the state's tire clean-up program. The state unveiled its 2001 West Nile virus plan last month. The comprehensive plan will include enhanced mosquito control activities and increased human, animal and mosquito surveillance and testing so those working to control the virus will be able to more effectively determine its intensity, geographic spread and impact. The plan also includes a public education campaign to take personal protective measures during the mosquito season.