READING, July 10, 2014 – More Berks County residents will be able to recycle their waste now that $110,000 in new state grants is headed to two local governments’ recycling programs, state Sen. Judy Schwank announced today.

Exeter Township will receive $79,781 through the Recycling Performance Grant Program for diverting 9,012 tons of waste from landfills through its municipal recycling program in 2011.

The Berks County Solid Waste Authority will receive three grants worth a total of $31,143 through The PA Small Business and Household Pollution Prevention Grant Program.

“Exeter Township officials and residents can be proud of the success of their local recycling program, and this grant is appropriate proof of their good work,” said Sen. Schwank. “And, now that they are they helping to protect our environment by helping more people recycle their waste, they are getting new state investments to help them do more.”

Recycling performance grants are an incentive for Pennsylvania communities to increase the amount of materials they recycle as they promote economic growth through job creation and market expansion.

The Berks County Solid Waste Authority is getting three grants totaling $31,143 from the Pennsylvania Small Business and Household Pollution Prevention Grant Program, which reimburses local governments for half of the cost of developing and operating household hazardous waste collection events.

“Most people know about recycling, but not everyone has the opportunity to participate,” Schwank said. “Collections events are great ways to send unwanted plastic, glass, paper and metal to companies that can re-use the waste for other beneficial products, and I am pleased the authority is getting this money so it can continue its good work.”

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