Harrisburg, June 23, 2011 – A number of Berks County municipalities have received state grants totaling $62,772 for local recycling programs, according to state Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks).

“Recycling is a vital part of keeping our local communities clean and our environment safe,” Schwank said.  “These funds will go a long way to help communities boost their recycling efforts, improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods and keep our air and our drinking and recreational water systems clean and healthy.”

The state’s Recycling Performance Grant Program provides incentive to help Pennsylvania communities increase recycling collection and promote economic growth through job creation and market expansion.

Grant funds were awarded to the following municipalities, based on the amount of materials recycled in 2009 and the municipality’s population:

  • Berks County – $25,594 (2,789.5 tons recycled)
  • West Reading Borough, Berks County – $19,497 (1,251.5 tons recycled)
  • Kutztown Borough, Berks County – $5,071(428.5 tons recycled)
  • Bally Borough, Berks County – $4,828 (182.4 tons recycled)
  • Longswamp Township, Berks County – $3,460 (305.6 tons recycled)
  • Bernville Borough, Berks County – $3,131 (130.9 tons recycled)
  • Leesport Borough, Berks County – $1,191 (99.9 tons recycled)

The grants were awarded as a part of the Department of Environmental Protection’s Recycling Performance Grant Program.

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