3-phase project scheduled for STAR

A proposed three-part program for STAR Community Justice Center will be funded with Ohio EPA grants received by the Lawrence-Scioto County Solid Waste District.

The first phase will focus on recycling at STAR funded with a $16,000 grant.

“It is for recycling office paper, shredded paper, pop cans,” Dan Palmer, district director, said. “It is a total recycling program. We worked together to devise the needs of all the buildings and what type of recycling.”

STAR will match the grant with $8,000.

The center has been looking for ways to expand its vocational opportunities for the residents, J.T. Holt, deputy director, said.

“We try to find every possible opportunities for our residents to give back to the community and feel part of their local community,” Holt said. “We try to find the most efficient way to use tax dollars. If it weren’t for Dan we wouldn’t have this.”

STAR also wants to partner with non-profits in the recycling effort.

The next phase is a compost program at STAR.

“They can compost a lot of that food from the kitchen,” Palmer said. “Part 3 we will be instituting a garden. That will supplement their kitchen.”

The district also received a $20,000 EPA grant to implement a special Ironton cleanup scheduled for late summer and a tire amnesty program.

“We will provide roll-off containers to enable people to clean out their garages, basements and get rid of things,” Palmer said. “The tire amnesty is where people bring their tires to us.”

Palmer expects to have two locations for the tire takeback.