Clean Communities

About

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. 

Berkeley Township Clean Communities Program

Berkeley Township 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.

Report Illegal Dumping

The Problem:
 "Public lands all over New Jersey are being used as dumping grounds. Litter, garbage bags, tires, televisions, electronic waste, appliances, yard waste, and construction debris are being dumped and threatening our local environment, animals and public. This dumping detracts from the natural beauty of our public lands; it decreases property value, and costs the citizens of New Jersey tax dollars to cleanup." -NJDEP

Cleanups

Help us keep Berkeley Township clean! Volunteer opportunities are available to Berkeley Based non-profit organizations. 

Please Note: Volunteers must adhere to the following cleanup guidelines:

• Volunteers’ organizations must be Berkeley Based and non-profit
• The number of volunteers must be a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10
• Organizations will receive a $500 mini grant for cleaning 1 mile of roadway or a $250mini grant for ½ mile of roadway
• All materials will be provided to the organization (vests, gloves, garbage bags, etc.)
• Keep in mind, some roadway assignments are heavily traveled so it is recommended that small children do not participate.

Mini Grants are available to any Berkeley Based non-profit organization in return for cleaning up designated public areas.  Groups are eligible to receive a stipend.

Safety - the safety of our volunteers is important.  Please review safety protocols before conducting any cleanup programs and encourage volunteers to watch the NJCCC safety video

Education

Education is communication in a more complex form.  It aims to change the attitudes that cause littering. The basic premise of the New Jersey Clean Communities program is to change habits, so residents do not litter, bring their own reusable bags when shopping, skip the straw, and other sustainable practices.  A long-term education program will teach both residents and visitors the ramifications of littering and ways to work together to prevent litter from affecting our state.

You can visit out Clean Communities booth (Public Works) at our township events:

• National Night Out
• San Genaro Festival (Founders Day)
• Trick or Trunk