Recycling grants

State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-133rd, said three municipal recycling programs in her legislative district have been awarded state grants totaling $582,325.

“Recycling programs help to lessen the burden on our landfills and, in turn, help to maintain our environment for future generations to enjoy,” McNeill said. “It’s great to see that successful programs being conducted in Salisbury Township, Whitehall Township and Fountain Hill are being rewarded with these state grants.”

Local grants include:

Whitehall Township - $299,827

Salisbury Township - $221,499

Fountain Hill - $60,999

The Recycling Development and Implementation Grants are distributed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

The grants can be used for a number of things. Funding eligibility is allocated for expanding recycling processing facilities, installing data collection systems on recycling vehicles, continuing or creating curbside recycling programs, developing educational materials or operating leaf compost facilities.

Nearly 200 county and municipal governments were awarded grants for recycling collections, education and leaf litter pickup. Up to 90 percent of approved recycling program costs are eligible under the grant program.