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Date: 11/17/2020
HILLTOWNS – Several area Hilltowns have received grants from the Baker-Polito Administration through the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP) to help maximize their recycling and trash programs and to mitigate the rising costs of recycling throughout the commonwealth.
“Some of the most important environmental protection work happens every day in communities throughout Massachusetts through local recycling and solid waste programs,” said Gov. Charlie Baker in the announcement of the grants on Oct. 28. “With this assistance, we are ensuring that local officials, residents and small business owners can continue protecting the Commonwealth’s neighborhoods and natural resources.”
Under SMRP, 227 communities qualified for the Recycling Dividends Program (RDP) and will receive payments ranging from $2,450 to $97,500. The RDP recognizes municipalities that have implemented policies and programs proven to maximize materials reuse and recycling, as well as waste reduction. Communities that earn RDP payments must reinvest the funds in their recycling programs for things such as new recycling bins or carts, public education and outreach campaigns, collection of hard-to-recycle items and the establishment of recycling programs in schools, municipal buildings and other public spaces.
As part of this SMRP grant round, 42 municipalities that did not apply for or qualify for an RDP payment will be awarded a total of $45,250 for a Small-Scale Initiatives Grant. These population-based grants range from $500 to $2,000 each and help communities purchase modest, but critical recycling materials and outreach tools needed to sustain their existing recycling program or to facilitate new, low-cost initiatives. Each of these SMRP programs are administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
Locally, Elizabeth Massa of the Chester Board of Health announced that Chester had been awarded a grant of $2,450 for its recycling program at the Transfer Station.
“This is the first grant the Chester Transfer Station ever received,” Massa said, adding that she would continue looking for more grants Earlier in the fall, she said the town was facing an increase of $5,000 in recycling costs.
Other area Hilltowns receiving grants through the SMRP include Granville, which is being awarded $4,500; Huntington, $4,200; Middlefield, $3,850; and Russell, which is receiving a Small Scale Award of $500.
Southwick was also granted $5,400 through the program, and Westfield, $18,000.