Methuen is one of 57 communities and groups across the Commonwealth to be awarded a share in $4.1 million to continue its recycling efforts from the Baker-Polito Administration.
The city’s grant, announced Wednesday to coincide with America Recycles Day, is made possible through the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program, which aims to save money on waste disposal. As part of the Mattress Recycling Initiative, Methuen will receive $70,500 to transport and recycle discarded household mattresses over the next two years.
“Cities and towns lead the way when it comes to recycling and composting and it makes a difference in the quality of life for all of our residents,” Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said. “These grants provide the funding necessary for communities to tailor their individual recycling programs to the needs of their citizens.”
A variety of funds were distributed statewide and include incentives for Pay-As-You-Throw recycling programs, wheeled carts for curbside waste collection and school recycling assistance programs.
Methuen is the second Merrimack Valley community to benefit from the state grant program. In September 2016, Haverhill was awarded $32,000 to sustain its current recycling program and facilitate new low-cost initiatives.
The Sustainable Materials Recovery Program has invested more than $20 million in recycling programs since 2010. It was created under the Green Communities Act of 2008 and co-authored by Haverhill’s Brian Dempsey while he served as chairman of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.