The Sustainable Materials Recovery Program

 

Linda Dean Campbell
State Rep. Linda Dean Campbell

By: State Rep. Linda Dean Campbell – November, 2013

State Representative Brian S. Dempsey (D-Haverhill), Chairman of the House Committee on Ways & Means, along with State Senator Kathleen O’Connor Ives (D-Newburyport), Representative Linda Dean Campbell (D-Methuen), Representative Diane DiZoglio (D-Methuen) and Representative Lenny Mirra (R-West Newbury) announced today that the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has awarded the City of Haverhill $2,000 and Methuen $1,500 through their Sustainable Materials Recovery Program.

The Sustainable Materials Recovery Program Grants that are offered by MassDEP, provide essential funding for cities and towns to continue moving forward on recycling initiatives that each city or town has developed in their communities. These funds would support initiatives such as recycling, composing, reuse and source reduction activities that will increase diversion of municipal solid waste and household hazardous waste from disposal.

Grant eligibility is based on whether a city or town has certified that they have “buy recycled” by-laws, ordinances or policies in place before applying.

“This grant will provide additional funding to recycling programs in the Cities of Haverhill and Methuen for their on-going efforts in reducing waste” said Representative Dempsey. “Continuing to fund these essential recycling initiatives will produce an environmentally friendly future for the Merrimack Valley Region.”

“The Cities of Haverhill and Methuen are to be congratulated for their continued aggressive and successful efforts to reduce landfill waste disposal and to increase recycling” said Representative Campbell. “These state grant reflects those effective efforts and a priority for increased recycling by the legislature.

“This grant is an excellent opportunity to further strengthen Haverhill’s and Methuen’s waste reduction initiatives. Whenever the city can reduce the amount of solid waste being produced and increase recycling, composting and hazardous waste collection, it’s not only good for the environment, but also saves the city money on hauling trash,” said Senator Kathleen O’Connor Ives.

“I am delighted to see the City of Haverhill and Methuen receive these grant from MassDEP and I stand with Chairman Dempsey and my colleagues in celebrating this terrific news,” said Representative DiZoglio.