<B>Pennsylvania DEP Announces Grants</B>

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has distributed nearly $15 million in grants to more than 630 municipalities as a reward for each ton of waste they recycle.

Through September of every year, DEP accepts applications for Recycling Performance Grants based on the amount of waste recycled the previous year. The grant awards are based on the total tons recycled and the applicant's recycling rate. Applications are processed and paid as they are received throughout the year.

Municipalities must document that materials claimed in their application were eligible for the grant, generated within the municipality's boundaries, and recycled or marketed in the year covered by the application.

These grants are in addition to the funds that DEP gives municipalities to set up recycling programs.

For more information about the Recycling Performance Grant program, visit DEP through the PA PowerPort at www.state.pa.us or directly at www.dep.state.pa.us (directLINK ``Recycling Performance Grants'').