2020 EWRG Webinar

Please register for our 2020 two-part webinar series.  The first webinar will focus on generating ideas, best practices and past award recipients and will be offered on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.  The second webinar will focus on the grant application process and eligibility and will be offered on Wednesday, February 12 from 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.  Don't delay, register for this webinar series today!

We strongly encourage interested applicants to contact the Programs Administrator to discuss ideas in advance of submitting an application.  

Did you know?  SWACO also offers an Event Container Loan Program designed to help Franklin County events effectively recycle and compost materials.  Please visit the Event Container Loan Program web page to learn more today!

Purpose

The purpose of the EWRG program is to assist event organizers in establishing sustainable waste reduction and diversion activities.  By implementing sustainable, environmentally conscious methods of waste reduction and diversion, central Ohio's events can successfully reduce the amount of solid waste materials generated and divert recyclable and compostable materials from the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill.

The EWRG program is a competitive grant that provides reimbursement funding for activities that increase reuse, recycling and composting, as well as diversion-related outreach and education activities at public events.  Grant dollar amounts are awarded based on event attendance and eligibility criteria found in the Application Information Document. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for a grant award, events:

• Must occur within SWACO's jurisdiction of Franklin County (PDF)
• Must take place during the grant cycle calendar year.
• Must be open to the public.
• Must have a projected attendance of 2,000 people or more.
• May request funding for activities specific to establishing or promoting new waste reduction, reuse, recycling and composting programs. 

Consideration will also be given to the significant expansion and/or improvement of existing diversion and outreach activities.

Past Award Recipients

Five grants totaling $12,805 in reimbursed funding were awarded for the 2019 grant cycle.  Grant recipients included: Columbus Coffee Festival, ComFest, Dublin Irish Festival, Festival for Good and the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Summer Festival in Grove City.  Combined, these events diverted approximately 37,000 pounds of material!

Three grants totaling $8,000 in reimbursed funding were awarded for the 2018 grant cycle.  Grant recipients included: Greater Columbus Convention Center Women's Final Four event, Franklinton Farms, and CoffeeFest.  Combined, these events diverted approximately 22,000 pounds of material! 

Six grants totaling $24,000 in reimbursed funding were awarded for the 2017 grant cycle.  Grant recipients included: Dublin Irish Festival, the Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival, the Columbus Italian Festival, HighBall Halloween, Old Hilliard’s Halloween Haunt, and The Ohio State University to conduct a study of tailgate recycling at home football games.  Combined, these events diverted approximately 25,000 pounds of material from the landfill!

Six grants totaling almost $19,000 in reimbursed funding were awarded for the 2016 grant cycle.  Grant recipients included:
Green Columbus Earth Day event, Columbus CREW Rock on the Range event, Greater Columbus Arts Council Columbus Arts Festival, Dublin Irish Festival, Columbus Food Truck Festival, and Dublin Arts Council BREAD Festival.  Combined, these events diverted approximately 53,200 pounds of material! 

Resources

Download SWACO's Event Waste Reduction Best Practices Guide (PDF)
Download the City of Columbus Green Event Guide (PDF)
Download the OEPA's Zero Waste Special Event Planning Guide
Watch the 2019 Application Cycle Webinar