~~ Serving Our Community of Caring ~~

Clean Communities Program

What is Clean Communities

Clean Communities is a State-wide litter-abatement program created by the passage of the Clean Communities Act in 1986. 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 Act also provides guidelines on the use of funds. Statistical reports to track expenditure and program progress must be filed with the New Jersey Clean Communities Council, Inc. every grant year.

The Morris Plains Clean Communities Program

In Morris Plains, non-profit groups volunteer under the mini-grant program to participate in special litter pickups during the year. Most are done in October and April, but others are done during the summer and winter months.
Currently, almost every street in the borough is covered at least once a year through this program. Mini-grants are available for scout, church, civic organizations and sport groups willing to make a commitment to participate. Keeping Morris Plains litter free benefits everyone, and is a great source of pride.

New Programs for New Jersey

Recently, a ban on non-reusable plastic bags was instituted in New Jersey. On Nov. 4, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Legislature enacted the most progressive bag ban law in the country. The law reduces litter and encourages the use of reusable bags by phasing out single-use plastic and paper bags. The law bans single-use plastic bags, regardless of thickness, at grocery and retail establishments, as well as paper bags at grocery stores at or larger than 2,500 square feet. It also bans polystyrene foam takeout food containers and other products such as plates, cups, food trays and utensils. As of November 4, 2021, plastic straws will only be available upon request.
The statewide ban on disposable bags goes into effect on May 4, 2022 and will create an effective and uniform sustainable policy for all shoppers and business owners in NJ.

KEEPING MORRIS PLAINS CLEAN CAN BE CONTAGIOUS!
LET’S TAKE THE TIME TO CARE FOR OUR COMMUNITY BY PICKING UP LITTER AND PLANTING FLOWERS, TREES AND SHRUBS INSTEAD.