Municipalities, Businesses Benefit from $5.5 Million Investment in Recycling

HARRISBURG – With the state’s investment of $5.5 million, 267 municipal recycling programs are expanding across the commonwealth, Gov. Edward G. Rendell said.

The governor said that as more reusable materials are diverted from landfills, Pennsylvanians are helping to conserve energy and natural resources, protect the environment, and create new economic opportunities in manufacturing.

“When Pennsylvania recycles, our economy and environment win,” said Rendell. “Municipalities across the commonwealth know this and have taken a leading role by making it easier for residents to recycle. The investments we’re announcing today will help local governments expand their programs so even more material stays out of landfills.”

The commonwealth’s commitment to recycling has helped lead to record collection levels. In 2005, Pennsylvanians recycled a record 4.86 million tons of municipal waste, saving consumers and industries nearly $263 million in waste disposal costs and providing businesses with materials valued at $577 million. The grants awarded today reflect 2005 collections.

Pennsylvania is home to more than 3,200 recycling and re-use businesses and organizations that generate more than $18 billion in gross annual sales and provide paychecks totaling $2.9 billion to more than 81,000 employees. Additionally, these businesses add more than $305 million in taxes to the state treasury.

In addition to these significant economic benefits, recycling helps protect Pennsylvania’s environment.

Pennsylvania’s recycling efforts save energy, reduce air pollution and limit the need for virgin materials in manufacturing. The materials recycled in Pennsylvania during 2005 saved almost 98 trillion British thermal units of energy – enough to power more than 940,000 Pennsylvania homes for one year, or the equivalent of conserving 786 million gallons of gasoline.

“Today’s announcement is another impressive sign of how recycling is alive and well in Pennsylvania,” said Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty. “These investments are a strong incentive for municipalities to recycle. And as these programs continue to grow, communities and consumers will see even more benefits in the form of a cleaner environment, financial savings, and a better quality of life.”

Reducing the demand for energy by helping consumers conserve is a key part of Rendell’s Energy Independence Strategy. By lowering demand and investing in smart conservation measures first, Pennsylvania can avoid building expensive new power plants that rely on dirty fossil fuels and emit harmful air pollutants.

Rendell is also crafting a plan to reduce climate-changing air emissions and recycling is one avenue all citizens can participate in this critical effort. Pennsylvania’s record-setting recycling levels in 2005 reduced greenhouse gas emissions by an equivalent of more than 2.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, which is like offsetting the emissions produced by 1.7 million cars and light trucks.

Recycling performance grants reward communities based on the amount of recyclable materials collected. More cans, jars, newspapers and other materials collected mean larger grants for the recycling programs – and more materials for manufacturers.

DEP has approved 552 of the 800 performance grant applications received for calendar year 2005 recycling. The remaining applications are being reviewed and additional grant awards may be announced in the coming months.

In Clearfield County, DuBois received a $5,956 grant, and the county recieved a grant of $25,662.