Baker-Polito Administration Awards Nearly One Million to Help Businesses Increase Recycling of Glass, Other Hard to Recycle Materials

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today awarded nearly one million dollars in grants to seven companies under the Commonwealth’s Recycling Business Development Grant (RBDG) program to help increase the recycling of glass, mattresses and other hard-to-recycle materials.

“Recycling plays an important role in the Massachusetts economy, employing thousands of people and converting recyclable materials into valuable end products,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Continuing to advance opportunities to increase recycling not only helps protect our environment, but also creates jobs and supports our economy.”

“This grant program will help recycling processors and manufacturers in the Commonwealth to create sustainable markets for these materials and recycle items that would otherwise end up in landfills,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “This investment also supports our communities, which benefit from increased demand and higher prices for recycled materials.”

The grant program, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), will enable these companies to expand their recycling operations and increase the amount and quality of recycling now occurring across the Commonwealth. The program is funded through dedicated contributions of waste-to-energy facility renewable energy credits.

As a condition of receiving funding, grant recipients commit to meeting tonnage goals over a two-year period. The RBDG program targets difficult-to-recycle materials and this round of grants includes funds to promote the recovery of mattresses, packaged food, plastics and glass.

“These businesses exemplify the innovative Massachusetts business environment and are making a positive impact on our environment,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Mathew Beaton. “Investments like this not only support the growth of viable Massachusetts businesses, but also help us reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment for future generations.”

“As individuals, one of the more impactful things we can do to protect our natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to fully participate in community recycling efforts,” said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “Under this program, these businesses complement our individual efforts and add value to the environment and our economy.”

Northstar Pulp & Paper Company, Inc., Springfield – Up to Ninety Thousand Dollars
Northstar is a paper, plastic and metal recycling company looking to improve their capacity to produce quality post-consumer plastic regrinds. Northstar will purchase and install three separate methods for reducing ferrous contamination within their finished product. The company intends to target plastic pallets, which are generally hard to manage because they are often contaminated with dirt and fiber, and frequently have metal or fiberglass reinforcement bars.

Please view the full article at the following link:  http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/news/releases/awards-of-917000-for-hard-to-reycle-materials-.html