State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-134th, has announced that South Whitehall Township was recently awarded a $250,000 state grant by the Department of Environmental Protection under the Recycling Performance Grant Program.

"South Whitehall Township is being rewarded for its efforts in helping to keep our communities clean by reducing the amount of waste in our landfills through recycling," Mackenzie said. "Communities that support and encourage recycling are protecting our environment, while helping ensure a cleaner and brighter future for our region."

The Recycling Performance Grant Program was established under Act 101 of 1988, the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act. Under this law, municipalities with more than 10,000 residents and those with populations between 5,000 and 10,000 that have population densities greater than 300 people per square mile must establish recycling programs.

Currently, 440 of Pennsylvania's 2,700 municipalities are required to recycle and provide curbside collection programs.

Recycling Performance Grants are available to all Pennsylvania municipalities with established recycling programs. These grant awards were based on the total tons recycled and each municipality's recycling rate for the calendar year 2010.

This year, the state awarded $17.8 million in recycling grants to 131 municipalities and counties for developing and implementing recycling programs. These grants are supplemental to the funds that DEP allocates to municipalities to establish and maintain recycling programs.

"Recycling plays a key role in improving Pennsylvania's economy and protecting its environment," DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. "These grants further that cause, and DEP is proud to invest in local programs that help the awardees strengthen their recycling programs."

For information, visit Mackenzie's website at RepMackenzie.com or follow his legislative page at Facebook.com/RepMackenzie.