The Department of Environmental Protection is awarding three South Jersey municipalities a part of more than $14 million in grants to enhance recycling efforts. Vineland in Cumberland County will receive $330,051; Logan in Gloucester County will receive $143,023; and Cherry Hill in Camden County will receive $114,682.
The annual recycling tonnage grants are awarded through the state’s Recycling Enhancement Act, which authorizes a $3 per-ton surcharge on trash disposed at solid waste facilities to fund recycling efforts, according to a press release from the department. The DEP allocates this money back to municipalities and counties based on their recycling accomplishments. This year’s grants are based on recycling performance in 2017.
“Recycling remains an important way for residents to help protect the environment,” Commissioner McCabe said. “Recycling conserves resources, reduces the amount of trash that is sent to solid waste facilities, and helps reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. These grants will fund efforts that have become even more important as we look for ways to address changes and challenges in recycling markets that are occurring across the nation.”
Recipients use these grants annually to improve recycling rates through a variety of initiatives, including funding recycling coordinator positions, providing recycling receptacles and pickup in public places, upgrading recycling drop-off centers, conducting education and outreach, and implementing curbside recycling pickup programs.