TOMS RIVER – Ocean County will receive more than $273,000 from the New Jersey Clean Communities Program to expand litter cleanup, enforcement and public education across the region.
The grant, totaling $273,576.97, is the largest awarded to any 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 statewide program, created in 1986 and funded by taxes on litter-producing products, supports cleanup projects, educational campaigns and enforcement of litter laws.
Sadeghi said protecting local waterways remains a priority. “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 funding will continue to back programs that reduce waste, support education, and enforce local ordinances. In 2024, the county supported more than 50 volunteer cleanups and worked with schools, senior communities and civic groups.
The county also coordinates with the Department of Corrections, where inmates perform about 1,000 community service hours each month clearing trash from public areas. Last year, they cleaned 318 miles of roadways and collected 1,560 bags of litter, according to Commissioner John P. Kelly.
Ocean County municipalities received an additional $1.86 million combined for their own cleanup and outreach programs.
The county’s efforts extend beyond traditional cleanups. Recycling stations in parks, water refill areas, cigarette litter prevention programs and mini-grants for nonprofits are all part of the initiative. One standout effort is the Art Sustainability Project, which turns recycling igloos into colorful installations placed at parks, beaches and marinas. Students and volunteers transformed four igloos last year, 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.
