The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced $4.5 million in grants to support local recycling programs in the state. According to the agency, funds were awarded based on performance through the end of 2004, the most recent year for which complete data is available. That year, New Jersey generated 21.7 million tons of solid waste, which includes glass, cans, plastic, and newspapers from municipal waste and scrap iron, concrete, wood, and other items from commercial waste. Of that total, 12 million tons or 55 percent was recycled with 9.7 million tons sent for disposal.

"With New Jersey generating more than 20 million tons of solid waste every year, we need to do all we can to boost recycling rates," said DEP Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson in an agency press release. "This funding will support local recycling programs and help reduce the amount of waste going to landfills and other facilities."

More info on grant recipients can be found at www.nj.gov/dep.