The Department of Environmental Protection this week awarded $20 million in recycling development grants to 134 communities across the state.

“The more we recycle, the more natural resources we preserve and the better our environment’s health,” Gov. Rendell said. “And, it’s important to recognize that these investments by the commonwealth come back to us in more jobs and a stronger economy.”

In 2005, Pennsylvanians recycled a record 4.86 million tons of municipal waste, saving consumers and industries nearly $263 million in disposal costs and providing businesses with materials valued at $577 million.

The Commonwealth’s recycling and reuse industry includes more than 3,200 establishments with total annual sales of $18.4 billion. The industry employs more than 81,000 people and has an annual payroll of $2.9 billion. Additionally, these businesses add more than $305 million in taxes to the state treasury.

The Recycling Development and Implementation Grant Program reimburses local governments, councils of government, consortiums and solid waste authorities for the cost of municipal recycling and composting programs. Pennsylvania’s recycling program, created under Act 101 of 1988, mandates recycling in the state’s larger municipalities and requires counties to develop municipal waste management plans.

A list of communities awarded grants is available online.

12/21/2007