Ocean county celebrates america recycles day with top state award for clean communities

Ocean County celebrates America Recycles Day with top state award for clean communities

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November 26, 2025

TOMS RIVER, N.J. – Ocean County marked America Recycles Day by honoring the team that keeps its communities clean year-round — and by celebrating a major statewide recognition for its recycling and litter prevention efforts.

The Ocean County Recycles and Clean Communities Program received the County Program Award from New Jersey Clean Communities during the 20th annual Clean Communities Expo and Award Ceremony.

The honor recognizes Ocean County’s leadership in litter prevention, education, and volunteer engagement through a coordinated effort between the Department of Solid Waste Management and the Department of Corrections.

Award highlights countywide cleanup success

In 2024, Ocean County’s Clean Communities initiative supported more than 50 volunteer cleanups and provided equipment to 19 or more sites, engaging thousands of residents through educational outreach. The program’s Corrections labor division logged 14,892 hours, cleaned 318 miles, and collected 1,560 bags of litter — work valued at roughly $230,000 in labor savings.

Officials said the program also expanded its reach through new recycling and dog waste stations in county parks, enhanced school-based programs, and a Recycle Coach App campaign that connected with over 71,000 residents.

County leaders commend recycling and cleanup teams

Commissioner Deputy Director Frank Sadeghi, liaison to the Department of Solid Waste Management, met with staff to congratulate them for their statewide recognition and continued dedication to environmental stewardship.

Sadeghi said the award reflects the county’s strong partnership among government departments, volunteers, and residents working to preserve Ocean County’s natural beauty.

Commitment to recycling and sustainability

County officials encouraged residents to keep recycling and reducing waste, noting that local efforts play a key role in protecting parks, waterways, and shorelines.

The Ocean County Clean Communities team continues to set an example for environmental responsibility, inspiring residents to recycle, volunteer, and take pride in keeping Ocean County clean.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

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