def# 77 05/06/09
COUNTY SEEKS ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO BOOST RECYCLING
TOMS RIVER – Ocean County is seeking supplemental funds from the state of New Jersey to boost Ocean County’s
recycling efforts through education and enforcement.
The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders today approved an application to the state seeking $258,300 under the
Recycling Enhancement Act Tax Fund Bonus Grant Spending Plan.
“Ocean County operates an aggressive and successful recycling program,” said Freeholder James F. Lacey, who serves as
liaison to the program. “This additional funding would be used to enhance the program by raising awareness which
ultimately garners greater program participation.”
In its application for the funding, the county is requesting $100,000 to initiate a school recycling grant program.
Similar to the county’s municipal recycling minigrant program, school districts will have the opportunity to apply for a
matching grant from the county. In its first year, the money would be used to purchase in-class or roll-off containers to
help improve the school district’s recycling program.
“It’s important that all areas of Ocean County participate in recycling,” Lacey said. “Schools generate large amounts of
recyclables. We believe this program will serve as an incentive for them to increase their recycling efforts.”
Lacey noted the municipal minigrant program has resulted in improved recycling facilities throughout Ocean County.
“We believe school districts would reap the same benefits from a similar grant program,” Lacey said.
In addition, the county is seeking $50,000 to implement the Ocean County Municipal Public Education Grant Program, which
would provide competitive grants to Ocean County towns to expand public education efforts to recycling beyond the
mandatory requirements of notifying residents twice a year.
“The grant could be used to produce a public recycling campaign such as additional flyers, brochures, posters, calendars
or any kind of media that would help to raise public awareness and encourage more recycling,” Lacey said. “The more
information that is out there, the better response we will get to our recycling programs.”
The county also is requesting $25,000 to enhance its public education efforts and $23,300 to develop a public education
campaign to inform county residents about single-stream recycling which is expected to go into effect in Ocean County in
mid 2010.
“We cannot stress enough the importance of education when it comes to recycling,” Lacey said. “Residents and visitors
alike need to know the benefits of recycling whether environmental or financial. They also need to be aware that recycling
is mandatory in the state of New Jersey and Ocean County takes this program very seriously.”
In an effort to enhance enforcement of recycling, the county also is requesting $60,000 to assist the Ocean County Health
Department with conducting recycling inspections above and beyond the number already performed.
“This money would allow for an additional 400 recycling inspections at schools, businesses and industries in Ocean
County,” Lacey said. “Participation is what makes recycling successful in Ocean County. We make every effort to make our
recycling programs convenient so that people view recycling as part of their daily routine and not an unwanted chore.”
Lacey said Ocean County will know within the next four months whether it’s grant application to the state has been
approved.
“These proposed initiatives will help increase Ocean County’s recycling efforts,” Lacey said. “We encourage all of our
residents and businesses to recycle and take advantage of the host of programs offered by the County.”
