DEP MAKES
LITTER CLEANUP FUNDING AVAILABLE TO COUNTIES AND TOWNS
(05/25)TRENTON - Department of Environmental Protection
(DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced more than
$9 million in grants to all 21 counties and 559 towns to assist
in litter cleanup and education programs.
"This funding provides counties and towns the means to combat
litter such as providing more trash cans and conducting public
education programs to reduce litter," said Acting Governor
Richard J. Codey.
Clean Communities funding helps to finance litter abatement and
education programs, adopt-a-highway campaigns and graffiti cleanups.
The funds can be used to purchase or rent equipment and receptacles,
as well as to provide trash bags, gloves and other protective
clothing to encourage cities and volunteers to clean up solid
waste in their communities.
"Clean Communities projects improve the quality of life
in towns across the state," said Commissioner Campbell. "Residents
can help keep New Jersey clean by volunteering during litter pickups
and disposing of their trash properly."
The Clean Communities program is funded by taxing companies that
manufacture litter-producing products. Ten percent of the funding
goes to DEP to keep state parks clean, while 90 percent of the
funds are distributed to counties and municipalities. Grant recipients
are asked to appoint a Clean Communities Coordinator to implement
cleanup, enforcement and education programs. This statewide network
of coordinators is the backbone of the program.
The Clean Communities Council, Inc., a nonprofit organization,
receives $300,000 to implement a comprehensive, statewide education
program to change the behavior that causes littering.
The awards are based on municipalities and counties proportionate
share of housing units from the 2000 census and the municipal
road mileage. The recipients are required to file statistical
reports with the Clean Communities Council on the activities of
the community and the results of those efforts.
The overall funds generated by taxing litter-producing products
also support recycling programs. In fall 2005, 25 percent of the
funds, totaling approximately $3.75 million, are scheduled to
be distributed to municipalities as recycling grants, giving communities
the means to strengthen recycling programs and educate residents
on recycling measures and benefits.
A list of counties and municipalities that will receive Clean
Communities litter funding is available at DEP's Web site at http://www.nj.gov/dep/newsrel/2005/cleancomm200503.pdf.
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