Ocean County’s Recycling Revenue Sharing Program will return more than $441,000 to participating municipalities that assisted in recycling almost 37,000 tons of old newspapers, tin cans, aluminum and plastics in the first half of 2014.

“Recycling continues to pay a dividend in Ocean County,” said Freeholder James F. Lacey, who serves as liaison to the county’s recycling program. “We have been able to return money to our municipalities every year, twice a year, since implementing the recycling revenue sharing program.

“This is a great incentive that results in economic benefits and environmental benefits,” Lacey said.

Under the Ocean County Revenue Recycling Sharing Program, municipalities are provided a portion of the recycling revenues based on the amount recycled.

During the first six month of this year, Ocean County collected 36,874 tons of recyclables from its municipalities. The payout per ton for this period was $11.97.

“I want to commend Freeholder Jim Lacey and all of our municipalities for promoting recycling in Ocean County,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. “Our residents have embraced recycling. We encourage our citizens to continue this effort which truly improves our quality of life here in the County.”

Vicari noted that as a result of these recycling efforts, municipalities collectively saved more than $2.6 million by not dumping those materials in the landfill where they would have to pay a tipping fee.

Since 1995, the county has distributed almost $15 million to the municipalities that participate in the county’s recycling program through its Recycling Revenue Sharing Program. The amount returned to the towns is based on the amount of recyclables collected and brought to the county and the price per commodity in the current market.

Lacey said the price of commodities like corrugated cardboard and newspapers have seen some minor decreases while the price of other commodities have risen.

For instance, Lacey added materials like aluminum continue to have a high demand selling for $1,336 a ton, which is a $250 a ton increase from 2013.

“The amount we return to our towns is based on the amount recycled and what the market has to offer,” Lacey said.

Lacey said towns can use the money as needed although many invest it back into the recycling program.

“If a road needs to be fixed, or a park needs to be upgraded, this money can help with those projects,” Lacey said. “This is a return on their recycling effort.”

The towns and the amounts they are scheduled to receive are: Barnegat Township, $13,573; Barnegat Light, $1,134; Bay Head, $1,032; Beach Haven, $2,956; Beachwood, $5,719; Berkeley Township, $22,250; Brick Township, $55,460; Eagleswood Township, $1,397; Harvey Cedars, $909; Island Heights, $1,307; Jackson Township, $29,623; Lacey Township, $22,802; Lakehurst, $1,544 and Lakewood Township, $75,493.

Also, Lavallette, $2,289; Little Egg Harbor Township, $16,216; Long Beach Township, $5,846; Manchester Township, $17,216; Mantoloking, $317; Ocean Township, $5,249; Ocean Gate, $1,336; Pine Beach, $1,357; Plumsted Township, $2,976; Point Pleasant Beach, $5,217; Point Pleasant Borough, $19,265; Seaside Heights, $2,544; Seaside Park, $2,414; Ship Bottom, $2,533; South Toms River, $1,478; Stafford Township, $34,609; Surf City, $2,157; Toms River Township, $79,595, and Tuckerton, $3,557.

[TLS]