Manchester Scores 5-Figure Recycling Grant from State

One of the highest total recycling rates in the state will net Manchester Township a five-figure grant from New Jersey's Recycling Enhancement Act, state officials announced.

Manchester hit an 83-percent total recycling rate, which includes plastic, glass, paper and metal recycling, as well as items such as construction debris and vegetative waste, well above the state average of 59.7 percent, and will get $41,873.07 for its efforts.

State officials highlighted Manchester, which recycles 42 percent of its municipal solid waste, as one of its success stories for 2011, the data for which is the calculation for the latest round of grants.

Officials outlined $18.6 million in grants statewide, which funded by a $3-per-ton surcharge on trash dumped at solid waste facilities across New Jersey. Ocean County also received a countywide grant of $346,500.

“It's important that we recognize the importance of recycling for our environment and also for the economic benefits it can provide to our cities and towns," said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin. "I am proud to see the commitment of some many of our state residents, and of our schools and businesses and local and county governments, to recycling in New Jersey.''

State officials said they're still aiming to reach the point where half of all municipal solid waste is recycled, with a goal of a 60-percent total recycling rate statewide.