The Department of Environmental Protection announced Thursday it has awarded $17.8 million in recycling grants to 131 municipalities and counties for developing and implementing recycling programs.

DEP is now accepting applications for the next round of recycling grants until May 31.

“Recycling plays a key role in improving Pennsylvania’s economy and protecting its environment,” DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. “These grants further that cause, and DEP is proud to invest in local programs that help the awardees strengthen their recycling programs.”

Through the grant program, municipalities and counties in Pennsylvania are eligible for up to 90 percent funding of approved recycling program costs. Municipalities that are designated financially distressed under the Financial Distressed Communities Act are eligible to receive funding for an additional 10 percent of approved costs.

Examples of eligible projects include operating compost facilities; developing web-based programs on recycling for consumers; expanding recycling processing facilities; installing data collection systems on recycling vehicles; continuing and creating curbside recycling programs; and developing educational materials to encourage residents to recycle.

This is the 53rd round of grants being awarded since the inception of the Pennsylvania Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act in 1988, also known as Act 101.

Act 101 mandates recycling in municipalities with more than 10,000 residents and those with populations between 5,000 and 10,000 that have population densities greater than 300 people per square mile.

Currently, 440 of Pennsylvania’s 2,700 municipalities are required to recycle and provide curbside collection programs.

A list of grants awarded is available online.

2/11/2013