North Reading Awarded $1,260 State Recycling Grant

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) and Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (R-Gloucester) joined with the Baker-Polito administration on America Recycles Day to announce that North Reading has been awarded a $1,260 Recycling Dividends Program grant.

A total of $4.2 million in grants were awarded on November 15 through the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program to 270 communities and regional solid waste districts. Created as part of the 2008 Green Communities Act, the program is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and has provided over $50 million in support for municipal recycling programs since 2010.

Funds awarded through the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program fall into multiple categories, including:

• start-up incentives for Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) programs;
• wheeled carts for curbside collection of recyclables;
• wheeled carts for curbside collection of food waste;
• drop-off equipment for the collection of items containing mercury;
• large containers for collecting target materials at municipal transfer stations; and
• school assistance recycling programs

The Recycling Dividends Program recognizes cities and towns that have implemented programs and policies aimed at reducing waste and maximizing the reuse and recycling of materials. MassDEP allows communities to use the funding for a variety of purposes, ranging from outreach and education to the transportation, processing and management of hard to recycle materials.

“To reduce Massachusetts’ carbon footprint, it is critical that we find ways to divert waste from landfills and incinerators by prioritizing more reuse and recycling,” said Representative Jones. “This grant recognizes the important work North Reading has been doing to promote recycling among its residents, which will have a lasting, positive impact on the environment.”

“North Reading residents are committed to protecting the environment and these state grants help push us forward on our path to a more sustainable future,” said Senator Tarr. “I am delighted that North Reading is carrying out critical programs to make recycling work and being recognized for those efforts as they receive support for their stewardship efforts.”