Newton Awarded $68K State Grant For Recycling Initiatives

NEWTON, MA — Newton has been awarded a $68,000 state grant to mark America Recycles Day, the Baker-Polito Administration said Monday.

Newton is one of 268 Massachusetts communities and solid waste districts that received funding to maximize recycling, composting, and waste reduction programs. The $3.1 million in awards was made available through the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program, which was created by the Green Communities Act of 2008 and has provided over $46 million to recycling programs since 2010.

"Communities across the Commonwealth are committed to recycling as a way to protect our environment and the public health," said Gov. Charlie Baker in a statement. "Funding from the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program will aid municipalities' efforts to implement innovative programs and policies proven to maximize materials' reuse, recycling, and waste reduction."

This year, 226 communities, including Newton, qualified for the Recycling Dividends Program and received payments ranging from $2,100 to $97,500. Communities that earn RDP payments must reinvest the funds in recycling programs.

An additional 42 communities that did not apply for or qualify for an RDP payment were awarded a total of $46,250 for a Small-Scale Initiatives Grant, which range from $500 to $2,000. These grants will help communities purchase recycling materials and outreach tools needed to sustain their existing recycling program or facilitate new initiatives.

A full list of the RDP and Small-Scale grant awards is available here.