Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued the following announcement on Nov. 15.
To celebrate American Recycles Day, the Baker-Polito Administration today awarded more than $2.1 million in Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP) grants to 42 communities and regional groups to help increase the diversion, reuse, composting and recycling of materials in the solid waste stream.
"Our administration is committed to ensuring the Commonwealth's municipalities have access to the resources necessary to promote and encourage recycling amongst residents and businesses," said Governor Charlie Baker. "The funds awarded under the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program will aid cities and towns across the state in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve natural resources, save money, and support jobs."
"Communities are critical partners in promoting residential and commercial recycling efforts," said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. "Through the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program, our administration will continue to invest in recycling efforts that support local municipalities, grow the economy and improve the Commonwealth's sustainability."
During the second round of 2018 SMRP funding, 42 communities and groups will receive grants ranging from $5,500 to $197,000 for a total of $2,128,969 statewide. Funds have been awarded in several categories, including start-up incentives for Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) programs, wheeled-carts for curbside collection of recyclables and kitchen food waste for composting, large containers for collection of target materials at municipal transfer stations, school recycling assistance programs and innovative waste reduction projects.
"Waste reduction improves the health of our communities, and positions the Commonwealth to meet its aggressive goal of reducing the waste stream by 50 percent by 2020," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. "By partnering with cities and towns across Massachusetts to encourage recycling, the Commonwealth will continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create renewable energy, and stimulate the economy."
The SMRP grant program was created under the Green Communities Act and is administered by Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). Waste prevention and recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions by capturing the embodied energy in every-day product and packaging waste, and converting these sources into new products with a smaller carbon footprint.
"The 'waste stream' actually contains a significant amount of valuable materials that can be used to produce new materials," said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. "These grants allow us to partner with local groups and communities to collect and repurpose these useable materials, which will make a difference in the protection of our natural resources and the public health."
"I'm proud to represent communities that are dedicated to combating the destructive impacts of climate change," said State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton). "Increasing our recycling and waste reduction programs is critical to our environmental protection efforts, and I want to thank the Baker-Polito Administration for awarding this important grant to Hudson."
"I am thrilled that Uxbridge has received two MassDEP grants, which work towards sustainability," said State Senator Ryan Fattman (R-Webster). "I am grateful for their work, the help of the administration and local officials, and the support of our state delegation in obtaining these funds."
"For decades, recycling has been a priority in the fight against climate change, and Massachusetts has set ambitious goals to improve waste management," said State Senator Eric P. Lesser (D-Longmeadow). "This innovative Pay-As-You-Throw program will help Longmeadow residents make a greater impact with more streamlined recycling and composting. Not only does recycling make a difference for our environment and community health, but it also supports a growing industry in reclaiming old products that can continue to be reused."
"The Town of Milton has made great strides in promoting recycling and with this grant, Milton will be able to provide even more residents with the resources they need to recycle at home," said State Senator Walter F. Timilty (D-Milton). "I would like to thank Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito, and the entire Baker-Polito Administration for awarding Milton this grant."
"I'm pleased that the Town of Milton took advantage of these funds. This is a good use of the money, as it not only provides people with more functional equipment, it also encourages better recycling habits," said State Representative William Driscoll (D-Milton).
"This grant from MassDEP will enable the Town of Hudson to invest in programs that make recycling cost-effective, convenient – and transformative for our local communities," said State Representative Kate Hogan (D-Stow). "When state programs support local recycling initiatives, the message is clear: we are united by the value of our actions, as individuals, as a community, and as a Commonwealth. We can and will make recycling a part of our daily lives."
"I am excited to see the implementation of Newburyport's pilot program," said State Representative James Kelcourse (R-Newburyport). "The program will not only be cost-effective, but also presents a great opportunity to educate the community the importance of reuse."
An alphabetical list of the municipalities and regional groups that have been awarded a grant, as well as more information about the SMRP program, can be seen here.
During the first round of SMRP funding announced in August, the Baker-Polito Administration awarded more than $2.6 million in Recycling Dividends Program grants to 247 communities and solid waste districts to help pay for new recycling bins and carts, public education and outreach, collection of difficult-to-recycle items, and implement recycling programs in municipal buildings, schools and public spaces.
Original source can be found here.
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