State Awards Nearly $1.6 Million to 217 Municipalities for Recycling Efforts

BOSTON- Representative David P. Linsky (D-Natick) announced that Massachusetts will award nearly $1.6 million in Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP) grants for 217 municipalities and regional solid waste districts to help maximize their recycling, composting, and waste reduction programs. The towns of the Fifth Middlesex District – Natick, Sherborn, and Millis – were among the 217 municipalities to receive the SMRP grants.

“Throughout my career as a legislator, I have always made environmental issues a priority of mine,” said Representative Linsky. “I am proud of Natick, Sherborn, and Millis for their commitment towards a sustainable future.”

Fifth Middlesex SMRP Grants

• Natick: $24,000
• Sherborn: $2,500
• Millis: $2,950

Out of 217 communities to receive awards in the first round of SMRP, 166 communities qualified for the “Recycling Dividends Program” (RDP) and will receive payments ranging from $1,200 to $66,000, for a total of $1.39 million statewide. The RDP recognizes municipalities 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 for things such as 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.

“Municipalities that cut the waste stream and increase recycling and composting are helping to build a stronger economy and a healthy environment,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to reducing waste disposal by 30 percent below 2008 levels, which equates to about 2 million tons per year, and these community recycling grants will ensure we reach our goals.”

As part of the SMRP, all 205 municipalities that also applied for “Small-Scale Initiative Grants” were awarded funding. These population-based grants range from $500 to $2,000 each and help communities purchase modest, but critical, recycling materials and outreach tools needed to sustain their existing recycling program or to facilitate new, low-cost initiatives. Both of these SMRP programs are administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).

The RDP was rolled out in 2014 as the newest initiative under MassDEP’s Sustainable Materials Recovery Program, which was created by the Green Communities Act of 2008. The Act requires that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Waste Energy Certificates (WECs) be directed to recycling programs approved by MassDEP. SMRP has invested more than $20 million in recycling programs since 2010.

See the full list of the SMRP grant awards: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/recycle/grants/smrp-grants.html#5

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For more information: Abigail Silverman (617) 722-2575