Paramus Receives $143K Recycling Grant

PARAMUS, N.J. — The borough has been awarded a $143,000 state grant to help implement and further enhance recycling efforts.

The money is part of $14.3 million in grants the state awarded through the Recycling Enhancement Act. Money was awarded based on municipality's 2014 recycling performance.

The grant program rewards local governments and enhances recycling efforts through initiatives such as running tire collection days, providing recycling receptacles and maintaining leaf composting operations. Each award is based on materials collected and recycled, and can be used in various ways to improve recycling results.

Fair Lawn was the only other Bergen County municipality to receive a grant. It received a $109,000 grant.

In 2014, New Jersey generated 9.6 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW). DEP documented the recycling of 3.9 million tons of MSW and the disposal of 5.6 million tons of MSW, for an MSW recycling rate of 41 percent. The 2014 national MSW recycling rate was 34 percent.

"Each of us can make a real difference for New Jersey's environment simply by recycling," said Bob Martin, state Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner. "The impacts of recycling reach far beyond keeping our environment clean and safe. Recycling conserves resources and results in less waste going to landfills or incinerators. It helps local governments save money, and leads to economic development and job creation."

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