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Union County Awards $150,000 for Local Recycling Projects Grant Program Designed to Boost Recycling in the 21 Municipalities

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders today distributed a total of $150,000 in grants to all 21 municipalities for new initiatives that increase and improve recycling programs, under the Union County Recycling Enhancement Grant Program.

“These grants represent an important investment in the recycling capabilities of Union County municipalities. Aside from its role in conserving resources, recycling helps to reduce municipal waste disposal costs,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon.

The grants are designed to enhance current recycling programs, so many of the municipalities will use them to purchase basic equipment such as trailers for electronic waste, recycling containers, and “igloos” for used oil. Others will enhance their public education programs, or expand the hours of operation at their recycling facilities.

In addition to assisting municipalities with grants, the Freeholder Board has introduced three new recycling initiatives that will help boost recycling rates in Union County.

First, the Union County Recycling Markets Directory has been updated and expanded. This online directory lists local recyclers that handle everything from asphalt, clothing and carpets to wood pallets and x-rays.

Since its first edition in 2007, The Directory has been a popular resource for businesses and residents. The 2011 edition includes new listings and more items. It is available online in pdf form at www.ucnj.org/recycling.

Second, the County is undertaking an audit its major facilities to ensure that they can achieve their best potential for recycling.

“We expect this audit to result in useful recommendations, and we expect to share any information that could be of use to municipalities that are seeking to improve recycling their facilities,” said Scanlon.

Third, Union County is offering each of the 21 municipalities a free review of their Annual Tonnage Report. The Tonnage Report is a document that municipalities submit to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, in order to receive state recycling grants.

The free review will alert municipalities to any missed opportunities or omissions in their Tonnage Reports, in order help them receive the maximum grant to which they are entitled.

The Recycling Enhancements Grants for each town are:

  • Berkeley Heights $6,000
  • Clark $2,600
  • Cranford $7,500
  • Elizabeth $20,000
  • Fanwood $3,000
  • Garwood $3,000
  • Hillside $7,500
  • Kenilworth $3,000
  • Linden $10,000
  • Mountainside $3,000
  • New Providence $6,000
  • Plainfield $10,000
  • Rahway $7,500
  • Roselle Park $6,000
  • Scotch Plains $7,500
  • Springfield $6,000
  • Summit $7,500
  • Union $12,500
  • Westfield $7,500
  • Winfield $3,000

 

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