N.J. DEP Awards $13 Million in Grants to Boost Recycling in State

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has awarded $13 million in grants to various cities and counties in the state to help recycling efforts in the state. The money comes through the state’s Recycling Enhancement Act, a law that has increased recycling tonnage grants. The grant program is funded by a $3 per ton surcharge on trash disposed at solid waste facilities.

“These grants are an investment in our future,” says Bob Martin, DEP Commissioner. “Local governments will use this money to continue to build even stronger recycling programs as we all work to continue improving our recycling efforts. Recycling is a priority for the DEP. It is important for the environment by conserving landfills and resources, and it generates tens of thousands of jobs in industries that collect, process and reuse recycled materials.”

According to a DEP release, the programs receiving the highest grant awards this year, based on their recycling achievements are: Jersey City, $267,674; Vineland, $255,954; Newark, $232,709; Clifton, $207,094; North Bergen, $172,539; Toms River, $164,350; South Brunswick, $149,198; Edison, $148,583; Millville, $141,265; Piscataway, $135,868; Cherry Hill, $133,693; and Woodbridge, $130,524.

For a list of grant payouts and other recycling data, visit: www.nj.gov/dep/dshw/recycling/stats.htm