12/02/24 - 90 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/5xpcbut8
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DEP Awards $20 Million In Recycling Grants, Urges Extension Of Recycling Fee
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The Department of Environmental Protection this week awarded $20 million for 113 recycling and composting grants in 40 counties across the state.
“When someone throws a bottle, can or newspaper in the recycling bin, they’re not only helping to protect our environment and preserve precious resources, they’re supporting an important industry,” said Gov. Rendell. “Pennsylvania’s recycling industry is directly responsible for more than 52,000 jobs with an annual payroll of $2 billion; it also generates $20 billion in gross receipts. That’s a substantial impact that’s certainly worthy of the investments we’re making today.
“Beyond that, recycled materials often provide the raw materials for other products. And by using more recycled materials, we also avoid the need to extract additional raw materials from the Earth.”
Act 101 of 1988 required recycling in Pennsylvania’s larger municipalities, required counties to develop municipal waste management plans, and created the Recycling Fund, supported by a $2-per-ton tipping fee on all landfilled materials in the state. The proceeds from the fee provide grants to offset local government expenses.
“This program has experienced tremendous growth over the past 20 years and continues to support our local municipalities. I intend to work with the General Assembly to amend current statute to extend the recycling fee. Without an extension the funding for these grants will no longer be available and the program will effectively shut down,” noted Gov. Rendell.
The Department of Environmental Protection, which administers the program, has already modified its recycling grant programs to operate at reduced funding levels in order to extend financial support to municipal recycling efforts for as long as possible.
Even at these reduced levels, however, funding will no longer be available after Deember. 31, 2010, unless the fee is extended. A list of grants awarded are available online.
NewsClip: DEP Aids Recycling, Yard Waste Programs
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2/19/2010 |
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