Ocean County has received the largest Clean Communities Grant in New Jersey for 2025, totaling $273,576.97. The funding will be used to support litter abatement programs and public outreach across the county.
“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.”
The New Jersey Clean Communities Program began in 1986 as a statewide initiative focused on reducing litter and promoting environmental responsibility. It is funded by taxes on products known to generate litter. The program emphasizes cleanup, education, and enforcement.
“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, stated that this year’s grant will help fund waste reduction programs, support public education efforts about litter prevention, and enforce related ordinances.
In 2024, more than 50 volunteer cleanups were supported by the Department of Solid Waste Management. Outreach extended into schools, environmental clubs, senior communities, and at public events.
The department also works with other county agencies such as the Department of Corrections to maximize resources.
“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.”
Last year through this partnership with corrections staff and inmates more than 318 miles of roadways and public lands were cleaned up in Ocean County with 1,560 bags of litter collected.
Municipalities within Ocean County also received a combined total of $1,861,938.61 from Clean Communities funding for their own local cleanup activities.
“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.”
The Department has expanded beyond traditional cleanup by developing recycling stations in parks; installing water refill stations; launching cigarette litter prevention programs; offering mini-grants for nonprofit sustainability projects; and hosting an Art Sustainability Project that transforms recycling igloos into installations displayed at various locations like Lacey Township or Island Beach State Park.
Last year four recycling igloos were transformed through student- and volunteer-led art projects now visible at several sites across Ocean County.
“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.”
