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NJ Clean Communities Overview

New Jersey Clean Communities is a statewide, comprehensive, litter-abatement program created by the passage of the Clean Communities Act in 1986. The mission is to reduce litter in public places, promote the volunteer cleanup of public lands and sustain a reduction in litter through education. The Act provides a funding source for the program by placing a tax on fifteen categories of businesses that may produce litter-generating products. The program focuses on three areas: cleanup, education, and enforcement. For more information on the state program visit njclean.org.

Tackling the Litter Problem

What is litter? Litter is solid waste that is out of place. It's the kind of trash found on highways, lakefronts, parks, and school grounds. Litter takes many forms: paper, plastics, metal cans, cigarette butts, glass, food packaging, tires, and graffiti.

Where does litter come from? There are at least seven sources of litter: pedestrians, motorists, overflowing household garbage, overflowing commercial containers, loading docks, construction sites and uncovered trucks. Litter is often blown by the wind until it is trapped somewhere or goes down a storm drain.

Why is litter a problem? Even small amounts of litter are unsightly, unhealthy, and dangerous. Litter causes blighted landscapes resulting in an increase in taxes and a decrease in tourism and industry; loss of civic pride and morale; and a negative public image. Litter can also cause accidents, especially on roadways, fires and disease in people and animals.

How are we solving the problem?  In addition to the efforts of local governments, residents, schools, civic associations, and non-profit organizations are enlisted as volunteers to help with cleanup events. At these cleanup events we offer education to volunteers while they pick up litter so they become environmental stewards. With education, acts of littering can be changed!

TOWNSHIP OF CLINTON CLEAN COMMUNITIES PROGRAM

Township of Clinton Clean Communities program is part of a statewide strategy to clean and prevent litter on streets, beaches, waterways, parks, recreation sites and vacant lots. Clean Communities Grant funding is used for educational programs, supporting clean up events and implementing adopt-a-road and mini-grant programs.

CLEANUPS

Help us keep our Township clean by volunteering for a cleanup event.

Mini Grants are available to any school group or non-profit association in return for cleaning up designated public areas.  Groups are eligible to receive a stipend which is dependent on the number of volunteers.  Equipment and supplies are available to volunteers. 

  • Clean Communities Mini Grant Program Packet
  • Clean Communities Mini Grant Program Release Form (Release Form Must be Submitted Before Cleanup Begins)
  • Clean Communities Mini Grant Summary Report (Summary Report Must be Submitted Upon Completion of Cleanup Program)
  • Submit complete application via e-mail to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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