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The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has issued thousands of dollars in grant funding to municipalities throughout North Central Massachusetts.
The grants, which were made possible by the MassDEP’s Sustainable Materials Recovery Program are designed to maximize their recycling, composting, and waste reduction programs.
Twenty two of the 27 cities and towns that make up North Central Massachusetts were recipients of the grant awards issued this November.
The grants were issued to local communities that qualified for SMRP’s Recycling Dividends Program. The Recycling Dividends Program awards municipalities that have implemented successful policies and programs to reduce waste and maximize recycling efforts.
“The Sustainable Materials Recovery Program offers vital funding for recycling, composting, reuse, and source-reduction activities that will reduce the amount of waste disposed in both landfills and incinerators,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “Importantly, 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.”
A total of $168,140 was issued to the region, with Fitchburg, Gardner, and Leominster topping the bill for most funding. Fitchburg received the most funding in North Central Massachusetts with $27,000, followed by Gardner with $16,500 and Leominster with $12,600.
Ashburnham, Athol, Hubbardston, Lancaster, and Westminster did not receive any funding.
“One of the most effective measures we can take to reduce the waste stream in communities across the Commonwealth is to support and encourage recycling, diversion, and reuse of waste materials,” Governor Charlie Baker said. “With this funding, we are ensuring that local officials, residents and small business owners can adopt practices that protect our environment and preserve Massachusetts’ natural resources.”
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