By: Richard L. Smith
Scotch Plains will receive a $56,080 Clean Communities grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Solid Waste Division to support litter prevention and community cleanup efforts throughout the township.
According to township officials, the funding will help support volunteer and paid cleanup events, equipment purchases, enforcement activities and educational programs aimed at keeping the community clean and environmentally friendly.
“The Township Council and I are always looking for ways to push Scotch Plains toward a cleaner, greener future,” Mayor Josh Losardo said in a statement.
“It is through programs like Clean Communities that we are able to keep our streets, open space, recreation areas and township grounds clear of litter and debris.”
Mayor Losardo and Councilmember Elizabeth Stamler attended a May 4 event at Kean University where municipal leaders from across the state received ceremonial checks from the New Jersey Clean Communities Council.
As part of the event, the elected officials also signed a pledge through Keep America Beautiful committing to continued anti-litter efforts in the Scotch Plains community.
“Scotch Plains has consistently been one of the top municipalities in the state in regards to fighting litter,” said NJCCC Executive Director JoAnn Gemenden.
State officials announced that the NJDEP will distribute approximately $22.4 million to municipalities and another $2.8 million to counties statewide for cleanup initiatives, public education and enforcement of litter-related laws.
The grants are funded through fees imposed on manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of litter-generating products.
Officials said the funding supports activities such as public space cleanups, storm drain maintenance, graffiti removal, educational outreach campaigns and the purchase of recycling bins, trash receptacles and anti-litter signs.
Environmental leaders also noted that litter continues to threaten waterways and wildlife by clogging storm drains and polluting rivers and streams throughout New Jersey.