Edison Awarded Grant To Reduce Waste, Promote Recycling

EDISON, NJ – The Township will be getting a grant from the state to help them enhance waste reduction and recycling programs, Department of Environmental Protection Commission Shawn M. LaTourette said last week.

In total, New Jersey is awarding nearly $16 million in grants to communities and Edison will receive $217,583 for their efforts.

The grants were given based on how each community performed in 2020. That year East Brunswick recycled 54 percent of all waste produced, which was much above the statewide average of 39 percent.

Municipalities must use the grants for various recycling initiatives that can include programs like sponsoring household hazardous waste collection, providing recycling receptacles in public places or maintaining leaf composting.

“This annual grant program provides incentive for communities to strengthen their municipal recycling initiatives, encourage children and adults to keep our environment clean, and provide assistance in helping to reduce the local tax burden while also improving quality of life,” LaTourette said.

Grants are awarded through the state’s Recycling Enhancement Act and are funded through a $3 per ton surcharge on trash disposed statewide at solid waste facilities.

As required under the state’s Recycling Enhancement Act, the DEP returns 60 percent of that money to municipalities based on how much recycling each community reports accomplishing during the calendar year. The remaining funds are divided- 30 percent going to counties, 5 percent to colleges and universities, and 5 percent for administrative costs.

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