September 27, 2011, Harrisburg – State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) announced today that Berks County will receive nearly $27,000 in state grants to assist with recycling efforts and waste management.

“Recycling and waste management are two effective ways to combat pollution in Pennsylvania,” Schwank said.  “The Department of Environmental Protection recognizes this and works diligently to provide local communities the resources they need to combat pollution.  These funds will go a long way toward helping these communities with their recycling and waste management programs.”

The Berks County Solid Waste Authority will receive a $22,861 grant to reimburse 50 percent of the costs for developing and operating a household hazardous waste (HHW) collection at the Exeter Township Municipal Building, which was held on April 26.  The Authority also received a $2,087 to reimburse 50 percent of the costs for the development and operation of a HHW collection event for pharmaceuticals, which was held on April 16.

These grant funds were distributed through DEP’s Pennsylvania Small Business and Household Pollution Prevention Grant Program.

Also receiving grant funding was Fleetwood Borough.  The borough received $2,026 based on the 187.2 tons of recycling in 2009 and the municipality’s population.  The funding, provided through DEP’s Recycling Performance Grant Program, was awarded to help the borough increase the amount of materials recycled.

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