IN AN EFFORT to continue to promote a litter-free Ocean County, the Board of Commissioners will use its 2025 New Jersey Clean Communities Grant to further implement litter abatement programs and outreach.

Ocean County was recently awarded a Clean Communities Grant totaling $273,576.97 - the largest amount given to a county in the state this year.

"This grant enables the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management to continue its work across the county, supporting efforts that keep our communities clean and safe for both residents and visitors," said Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Frank Sadeghi, liaison to the Department. "The careful allocation of this funding is essential, and Solid Waste Management consistently does an outstanding job each year."

Established in 1986, the New Jersey Clean Communities Program is a statewide initiative aimed at reducing litter and promoting environmental responsibility. Funded by taxes on litter-generating products such as food and beverage containers, cleaning agents, paper goods, alcohol, and tobacco, the program focuses on cleanup, education, and enforcement; Ocean County's allocation of the grant demonstrates these goals.

"Ocean County has always placed a strong emphasis on protecting its waterways," Sadeghi added. "By keeping litter out of the Barnegat Bay and its tributaries, we are safeguarding our environment for generations to come."

Anthony M. Agliata, Director of the Ocean County Department of Planning, said this year's grant will continue to fund programs that reduce waste and remove litter, while also supporting public education efforts and enforcement of litter-related ordinances.

In 2024, the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management supported more than 50 volunteer cleanups and carried out extensive outreach efforts in schools, environmental clubs, senior communities, and public events.

To maximize the use of this grant, the Department of Solid Waste Management also works with other County departments, including the Department of Corrections.

"Each month, inmates serve around 1,000 community service hours cleaning up public properties," said Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners John P. Kelly, who serves as liaison to the Department of Corrections. "By working with non-profit organizations and local municipalities, we identify areas most in need of attention and deliver cleanups where they are most effective."

Through this program, inmates cleaned more than 318 miles of roadways and public lands last year, collecting 1,560 bags of litter.

In addition to the County allocation, municipalities within Ocean County collectively received $1,861,938.61 in Clean Communities funding for their local cleanup and education programs.

"The County and our municipalities share a strong partnership in maintaining the cleanliness and beauty of our communities," Sadeghi noted. "This funding allows us to continue community cleanups, strengthen public education efforts, and support litter enforcement initiatives."

Beyond traditional cleanup activities, the Department of Solid Waste Management develops creative initiatives to encourage residents and visitors to help keep Ocean County clean. These include recycling stations in parks, water refill stations, cigarette litter prevention programs, and a mini-grant program supporting local nonprofits with their own sustainability projects.

In addition, the Ocean County Clean Communities Program hosts an Art Sustainability Project, which transforms recycling igloos into captivating installations promoting litter prevention and recycling. By strategically placing these installations across Ocean County's parks, beaches, and marinas, the project intent is to tie waste reduction outreach to encouraging residents, boaters, and shore visitors to recycle and keep our beaches clean.

Last year, the Art Sustainability Project transformed four recycling igloos thanks to the creativity of students and volunteers across Ocean County that are now on display in Lacey Township, Barnegat Township and Island Beach State Park.

"From our recycling team to our corrections department staff, we are fortunate to have many dedicated and creative individuals who bring energy and enthusiasm to making our programs the best they can be," Sadeghi said. "Their continued efforts are greatly appreciated."