$157K Grant Will Help Clean Up Berkeley

BERKELEY, NJ — A $156,911 state grant will help fund cleanups and education in Berkeley, according to a news release.

The funds are part of $25.2 million in annual Clean Communities grants to municipalities and counties for local litter removal programs that help keep trash out of the environment and beautify New Jersey’s communities.

Grant recipients will use the funding to educate the public about the environmental harms of littering, set up volunteer litter cleanups, acquire litter removal equipment, clear litter and debris from stormwater drains, remove graffiti, and support enforcement of local litter laws.

“Nobody likes to see trash-filled roads, rivers, or parks,” said Acting DEP Commissioner Ed Potosnak. “By partnering with the Clean Communities Council to provide this critical funding, the DEP is ensuring that municipalities and counties can keep their communities healthy and clean without bearing the costs of these initiatives alone.”

Ocean County itself received $254,692 in grant money.

“The New Jersey Clean Communities Council is incredibly honored to continue our partnership with NJDEP to advance litter education and cleanup initiatives across the state,” said Council Executive Director JoAnn Gemenden. “Today marks the fourth anniversary of New Jersey's single-use plastics law - a shining example of the state’s environmental leadership. Together we’ve made great strides in drastically reducing single-use plastic bags from littering our roadways and waterways, serving as a national example of how smart state policy can directly combat litter. This year’s Clean Communities funding will continue to help local governments keep their communities cleaner, greener and prouder.”