Baker-Polito Administration Awards $3.2 Million to Support Recycling, Waste Reduction in Municipalities

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): The Baker-Polito Administration announced $3.2 million in grant funding to 269 municipalities and regional solid waste districts through the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP). The grants will help communities across the Commonwealth maximize their recycling, composting and waste reduction programs. “Some of the most important environmental protection work happens every day in communities throughout Massachusetts through local recycling and solid waste programs,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “With this assistance, we are ensuring that local officials, residents and small business owners can continue protecting the Commonwealth’s neighborhoods and natural resources.”

“Under the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program, municipalities and solid waste districts are working even harder to improve recycling programs and reduce waste, which has resulted in a seven percent increase in funding over last year,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “With these grants, our administration and our local partners are making a difference in communities across the Commonwealth.”

Under SMRP, 227 communities qualified for the Recycling Dividends Program (RDP) and will receive payments ranging from $2,450 to $97,500. 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.

“The Baker-Polito Administration is currently working to finalize the Commonwealth’s Solid Waste Master Plan for the next decade, which will establish aggressive goals to reduce our waste disposal and increase recycling,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “We are pleased to offer this assistance to help communities cycle resources back into our economy and support local businesses throughout the collection, processing and manufacturing chain.”

As part of this SMRP grant round, 42 municipalities that did not apply for or qualify for an RDP payment will be awarded a total of $45,250 for a Small-Scale Initiatives Grant. 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. Each of these SMRP programs are administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).

“These new funds give communities the opportunity to make critical investments in their recycling programs, capturing more materials that can be reused, and helping them to reduce their waste disposal costs,” said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “This is another example of MassDEP’s commitment to building strategic partnerships with our local communities.”

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantage.com