Ocean County will use a portion of a state recycling grant to cover the cost of some programs focusing on the county’s recycling efforts. “This money will be used to continue such popular programs as the household hazardous waste collection program and the master composter program,” said Freeholder James F. Lacey, who serves as liaison to the county’s recycling program. “These programs have environmental benefits and are very popular with our residents.”

Under the state’s Recycling Enhancement Act grant program, Ocean County is seeking $335,500 from the 2012 allocation.

“This money comes from a $3 per ton tax collected at solid waste disposal and transfer facilities,” Lacey said. “We submit a spending plan to the state.”

He noted municipalities also participate in this program with 60 percent of the funds returned to the towns under the state’s tonnage grant rebate program.

The amount received is based on the amount recycled.

Lacey noted that Ocean County plans to use about $100,000 to continue the county’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection program, which allows citizens to rid their homes of a host of hazardous items which are then properly disposed of under the program.

In addition, Ocean County intends to use the money to support the Ocean County Health Department recycling compliance program, and the Ocean County Master Composter program.

“We will also use some of the money to help us partially fund the replacement of recycling equipment at the Southern Ocean County Recycling Center in Stafford Township,” Lacey said. “All of this helps with the county’s recycling efforts.” TLS.