Scrap Tire Surface Material Grants

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) is currently accepting applications for the Scrap Tire Surface Material Grants. This program is funded through a 50-cent fee on the retail sale of new tires, reauthorized by the Missouri General Assembly in 2019. The department allocates up to 45% of the revenue generated from these fees to support grants aimed at scrap tire market development. The grants cover the cost and delivery of scrap tire material for various surfacing projects, provided that at least 40% of the material used is sourced from Missouri-generated scrap tires. The Scrap Tire Surface Material Grants are divided into two categories: Non-Playground Scrap Tire Material Grants and Playground Scrap Tire Surface Material Grants. Non-Playground grants cater to projects such as running tracks, walking trails, equine or livestock stalls, riding areas, benches, picnic tables, and similar surfacing projects. Approximately $400,000 is available for these grants, with recipients eligible to receive up to $75,000. Playground grants focus solely on playground mats or surfaces, with approximately $600,000 available and a maximum award of $75,000 per recipient. Both grant types are awarded on a competitive basis, and there is no requirement for matching funds. Eligible applicants include public and private schools, parks, nonprofit daycare centers, other nonprofit organizations, and governmental organizations other than state agencies. However, organizations that have received a similar grant within the last ten years are ineligible unless they plan to expand a previously surfaced area or surface a new location. Privately-owned businesses, residential backyard areas, and private in-home daycare centers are not eligible to apply. Applications for the grants must be submitted by June 18, 2025. Applications sent by mail must be postmarked by this date, while online submissions must be completed by 5 p.m. Central Standard Time. The application form, instructions, and related materials are available on the department's Scrap Tire Surface Material Grants webpage. All projects must be located within Missouri and conform to the manufacturer's specifications, as well as be approved by the department. For assistance, applicants can contact the department's Waste Management Program staff. The main contact number is 573-751-5401, and inquiries can also be sent via email to wmp@dnr.mo.gov. The department provides a list of approved vendors for the scrap tire material, and if a vendor not on the list is chosen, the application must specify the minimum percentage of Missouri-generated scrap tires used in the product. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is committed to supporting the development of scrap tire markets and encourages eligible organizations to apply for these grants to promote the use of recycled materials in their projects. The initiative not only aids in waste management but also supports sustainable practices across the state.

The department provides a list of approved vendors for the scrap tire material.