New Jersey Awards $25.2M in Grants for Local Litter Removal Programs

The Sherrill Administration distributed $25.2 million through Clean Communities grants to towns and counties throughout New Jersey. The funds will support local programs that remove litter and trash. Officials revealed the awards on May 4, during a gathering at Kean University’s Liberty Hall in Union Township, hosted by the New Jersey Clean Communities Council.

Municipalities will get $22.4 million. Counties will receive $2.8 million. Where does this money come from? Taxes collected from businesses producing litter-generating products. Penalties paid for violations also contribute. State law determines grant amounts based on three factors: population, housing units, and miles of town-owned roads.

What will towns do with these funds? They’ll teach residents why littering harms communities. They’ll organize volunteer cleanup days. Some will purchase new equipment. Others will clear debris clogging stormwater drains, scrub away graffiti, or help enforce local anti-litter laws.

“Nobody likes to see trash-filled roads, rivers, or parks,” said Acting DEP Commissioner Ed Potosnak, according to a government release. “By partnering with the Clean Communities Council to provide this critical funding, the DEP is ensuring that municipalities and counties can keep their communities healthy and clean without bearing the costs of these initiatives alone.”

This announcement arrived on the fourth anniversary of New Jersey’s single-use plastics law. Executive Director JoAnn Gemenden praised the policy as a model for other states battling litter.

“Today marks the fourth anniversary of New Jersey’s single-use plastics law — a shining example of the state’s environmental leadership,” Gemenden said. “Together we’ve made great strides in drastically reducing single-use plastic bags from littering our roadways and waterways.”

The Council runs this program for 558 towns and 21 counties. It began with the Clean Communities Act of 1986. The group also manages Adopt-a-Highway and Adopt-a-Beach volunteer programs.

Jersey City secured the biggest grant at $544,337. Newark collected $533,511. Toms River brought in $267,494, while Hamilton claimed $228,965 and Edison took $217,300.

This year, the Council is working with Keep America Beautiful. They’re asking mayors to sign pledges for the Greatest American Cleanup, timed to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The post New Jersey Awards $25.2M in Grants for Local Litter Removal Programs appeared first on WMTR AM.