MARLBORO – The New Jersey Clean Communities program has awarded Marlboro $95,842 in grant funding to be used for litter abatement programs.
According to a press release from the township, the award was announced by Catherine R. McCabe, commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
“We constantly strive to identify alternate sources of funding for critical needs, and
parks and public spaces are essential to the quality of life in our town,” Mayor Jonathan
Hornik said. “The Clean Communities grant allows us to dedicate additional resources to the maintenance of these areas.”
New Jersey Clean Communities is a statewide, comprehensive litter abatement program
created by the passage of the Clean Communities Act in 1986. The act provides specific
guidelines on the use of funds, according to the press release.
Recipients must implement litter abatement programs which take various forms, including physical litter cleanup and enforcement and education programs, and track and report the expenditure of funds and the progress of local initiatives.
“Litter obviously detracts from the appearance of our community, but it is also
detrimental to storm, waste and potable water infrastructure,” Hornik said. “In
addition to maintaining the cleanliness of our neighborhoods, these funds are also used to
protect public health and safety. I am pleased to report that through the use of this grant
we will be able to continue to offer Clean Communities initiatives in Marlboro for another
year.”
In the past the grant has been used to fund community cleanups and has provided
equipment and assistance for community groups that adopt a location, according to the press release.
During 2018, volunteer groups collected close to 2,000 pounds of trash. Those interested in
participating may contact Clean Communities coordinator Suzanne Rubinstein at 732-
536-0188.
New Jersey Clean Communities is funded by a legislated user fee on manufacturers,
wholesalers and distributors that produce litter-generating products. The DEP has
reported a total award of $19.1 million to eligible municipalities in 2019, according to the press release.