Lexington Awarded Over $19K Sustainability Grant

LEXINGTON, MA — Lexington will be looking a bit greener thanks to a hefty sustainability grant. The town was given over $19,000 by the state to help maximize their recycling, composting and waste reduction programs.

The money was given through the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program. Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Senator Mike Barrett (D-Lexington), and Representative Michelle Ciccolo (D-Lexington) applauded the announcement that Lexington had been awarded $19,800.

Senator Friedman highlighted the town's opportunity to continue work t had been focused on, “Lexington will have the opportunity to continue the pressing work of protecting our community through sustainable programming.”

“Due to changes in places as far away as China, the economics of domestic recycling in Massachusetts’ towns are shifting,” said Senator Barrett. “This grant will help us keep our sustainability efforts in line with these important trends.”

The Recycling Dividends Program, RDP, recognizes communities that have implemented policies and programs proven to maximize materials reuse and recycling, as well as waste reduction. Communities that earn RDP payments must reinvest the funds in their recycling programs to support new recycling bins or carts, public education and outreach campaigns, collection of hard-to-recycle items, and the establishment of recycling programs in schools, municipal buildings and other public spaces.

According to the MassDEP, the number of municipalities that qualified for RDP grants increased 11 percent over last year and the amount awarded increased by more than 14 percent. These grants will provide the necessary funding for communities to tailor individual programs to the needs of their residents and will deliver many positive environmental benefits for cities and towns across the Commonwealth.

To view a full list of the 262 RDP and Small Scale grant awards, visit: https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2019/10/09/smrp2019r1.pdf