SAUGUS — The town landed a nearly $12,000 grant from the Department of Environmental Protection’s Recycling Dividends Program, Town Manager Scott Crabtree’s office announced in a statement Wednesday morning.
The $11,700 award was secured through the department’s Sustainable Materials Recovery Program, which uses a set of evaluation criteria to assign a point value to municipalities. Saugus, with a score of 9 points, was eligible for the “basic” tier of funding. The program directs a portion of the proceeds from the sale of waste energy certificates to recycling programs approved by MassDEP.
This year, the department is doling out more than $5 million to 283 municipalities and regional groups across the state. The department, in the statement from Crabtree’s office, said “recycling programs play a vital role in limiting our dependence on landfills and incinerators, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting economic activity in the Commonwealth.”
The program’s funds are used to invest in local programs including recycling equipment, organics diversion, outreach and education, pilot programs, school recycling, and toxics reduction, among others, the statement said.
Crabtree, in a statement, lauded the work of the town’s director of solid waste and recycling, Scott Brazis.
“We’re thrilled to receive this grant,” Crabtree said. “These funds are in recognition of the commitment our residents and businesses have made to reducing the waste stream so that less material flows to landfills and incinerators. These funds will help us continue to expand our efforts. When we all recycle, everyone benefits.”
Members of the Board of Selectmen were highly complimentary of Crabtree and his team for landing the grant, particularly noting that the funds could aid some of the burden borne by the town’s taxpayers.
The board’s chairman, Anthony Cogliano, said he appreciates the efforts of the town manager and his staff.
Selectman Jeff Cicolini, in a statement, said the grant serves as recognition of the work put in by town employees to “ensure our recycling program is running effectively and efficiently.”
“This grant, along with many of those mentioned in the recent update meeting with the town manager, represents millions of dollars that are available to pay for town services and capital projects without having to use taxpayer dollars,” he said. “In a time where everyone is watching their pennies as the economy is becoming more and more challenging to say the least, these grants monies will help take some of the burden off the taxpayers.”
Selectman Corinne Riley said she is appreciative of the continued efforts by residents and businesses to recycle and reduce the need for incineration.
“While Saugus taxpayers represent the vast majority of funding for the town, it’s important to ease the taxpayer burden as much as we can through alternative funding sources like this,” she said. “Well done to all involved!”
The board’s vice chair, Debra Panetta, who also serves as the president of the Saugus River Watershed Council, said it is significant that the town was specifically recognized for policies and programs it implemented to maximize the reuse of materials and waste reduction.
“I have always been an advocate for the environment, so the less waste that gets sent to our incinerators and landfills, the better it is for everyone,” Panetta said. “Learning how to reduce, reuse, and recycle helps our community and the environment by saving money, energy, and natural resources.”
