New Jersey Receives $14.5M Recycling Grant
As part of its commitment to increase recycling participation statewide, New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection awarded a record $14.5 million to local governments for recycling programs. This amount is nearly double 2008′s grant.
While other states are cutting recycling, composting and hazardous waste program funding from state budgets, New Jersey passed the Recycling Enhancement Act last year, which includes a tax of $3 per ton on solid waste collection. This money is set aside for recycling purposes.
New Jersey’s recycling rate dropped to 33 percent in 2003. The state has now set a target of recycling 50 percent of its municipal waste stream. Nationwide, the EPA reports a 33 percent municipal recycling rate, but individual cities have reported rates of close to 75 percent.
Much of New Jersey’s focus will be at the government level, with 60 percent of funding spent on outreach and compliance. Individual counties will receive 30 percent of funding for recycling and household hazardous waste programs. The remaining 10 percent is reserved for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for projects such as market development.
The average annual cost for these grants to New Jersey households is $6, and additional money is raised by a tax on out-of-state waste accepted by New Jersey. To find out how your community will be affected, contact your local recycling coordinator.
