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State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23
, 2005

Contact: Fred Mumford
(609) 984-1795

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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