The Department of Environmental Protection this week awarded $6 million in 2005 recycling performance grants to 285 municipalities and counties. DEP also announced applications for 2006 recycling performance grants are due October 1.

“When we recycle, our economy grows,” said Gov. Rendell. “With every item we recycle, we’re providing an additional piece of material that manufacturers can use to create something else. This supply chain produces jobs and environmentally friendly products without the need to disturb and consume more of our natural resources.

“This latest round of grants also shows that Pennsylvania’s citizens and communities recognize the importance of recycling, and are doing more to keep items like aluminum cans, newspapers and glass jars out of landfills. We recycled a record amount in 2005, which means a greater investment in those communities working to protect our environment.”

DEP has approved 285 of the 800 performance grant applications received for calendar year 2005 recycling. The remaining applications are being reviewed and additional grant awards may be announced in the coming months.

A list of grant awards is available online.

Applications for calendar year 2006 recycling performance grants are now available on DEP’s Recycling Grant Program webpage.

8/17/2007