State Sen. Vincent J. Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) said today that nearly $1 million total in grant funding to aid recycling efforts has been approved for several municipalities in his senatorial district.

The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) approved grant funding for Philadelphia ($350,000), Conshohocken ($212,363), Whitemarsh ($94,057) and Upper Dublin ($328,849). The funds will be used to support leaf collection, education and recycling collections.

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“Our environmental challenges grow each day, so it is critical that actions are taken at all levels of government to protect our natural resources,” Hughes said. “Removing recyclables from the waste stream reduces the stress on landfills and protects the environment. Thank you to Gov. Tom Wolf, and Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell for funding green initiatives and pushing Pennsylvania forward on this front.”

Hughes said that support of municipal leaf recycling efforts not only reduces material in landfills, but also curtails air pollution since many citizens would likely burn the leaves if recycling was not available.

The grants for the communities in Hughes’ district were among the nearly 200 grants approved statewide. DEP officials noted that $37 million in recycling grants will be distributed.

“There is far too little attention paid to environmental protection at the federal level,” Hughes said. “State and local governments must be leaders in protecting natural resources.”

In other legistlative news,  State Rep. Matt Bradford, D-Montgomery, announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has awarded $372,590 in competitive Recycling Development and Implementation Grants in the 70^th Legislative District. The funding consists of $199,961 to East Norriton Township and $172,629 to Plymouth Township to boost to their recycling and leaf collection programs.

“Congratulations to both East Norriton and Plymouth townships on earning these awards to improve their recycling programs,” Bradford said. “Thanks to their efforts, these communities will be better able to reduce pollution and provide a clean and safe environment for residents.”

Through the grant program, municipalities and counties in Pennsylvania are eligible for up to 90 percent funding of approved recycling program costs. Municipalities that are designated financially distressed under the Financial Distressed Communities Act are eligible to receive funding for an additional 10 percent of approved costs. Grants were also awarded based on programs designed to meet current market demands for recyclable goods.

Examples of eligible projects include operating leaf compost facilities; developing web-based programs on recycling for consumers; expanding recycling processing facilities; installing data collection systems on recycling vehicles; continuing and creating curbside recycling programs; and developing educational materials to encourage residents to properly recycle.

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