Schwank Announces Nearly $2 million in Grants for Berks County

October 12, 2018

Harrisburg, October 12, 2018  − Today the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced that nearly 200 county and municipal governments will be getting a boost to their recycling and leaf collection programs this year, thanks to $37 million in Recycling Development and Implementation Grants.

“This investment of state funds will significantly bolster local recycling efforts and will make a real difference in protecting our environment,” said State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks). “I commend our local officials for their successful efforts in securing funding through this competitive state program.”

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.

Some of the Berks County projects include:

  • Berks County Solid Waste Authority, $85,545;
  • Bern Township, $239,292;
  • Cumru Township, $47,152;
  • Exeter Township, $248,074;
  • Kenhorst Borough, $25,974;
  • Lower Alsace Township, $283,249;
  • Maxatawmy Township, $32,538;
  • Muhlenberg Township, $335,619;
  • Reading City, $349,992;
  • West Reading Borough, $141,772;
  • Wyomissing Borough, $122,715.

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Schwank: Three Recycling Grants Awarded in Berks County

March 6, 2012

READING, March 6, 2012 — The Berks County Solid Waste Authority and two local municipalities have been awarded significant state grants for their recycling efforts, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank.

“These funds will enhance local recycling efforts that will, in turn, improve our environment,” Schwank said. “I’m pleased that the state is encouraging communities to make Pennsylvania a cleaner and greener place to live and work.”

The Berks County Solid Waste Authority received a $26,310.92 grant that will be used to reimburse 50 percent of the costs for developing and operating a November 2011 household hazardous waste collection event at the Exeter Township Municipal Building. The grant was authorized by the Pennsylvania Small Business and Household Pollution Prevent Grant Program.

Kenhorst Borough received a $7,585 Recycling Performance Grant, based on the 475.1 tons recycled by the borough in 2009 and the borough’s population.  Mohnton Borough received a $7,669 Recycling Performance Grant, based on the 371.2 tons recycled in 2009 and the borough’s population. This grant program provides incentives to help communities increase recycling and promote economic growth.

The grant programs operate under the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

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