North Andover will receive $13,000 from the state's Recycling Dividends Program to support local recycling, composting and waste-reduction efforts.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) announced the grants Thursday, Oct. 22, awarding more than $3.2 million to 270 communities statewide, as WHAV first reported. The program recognizes towns that have put policies in place to maximize reuse, recycling and waste reduction.

North Andover's $13,000 award was among several in the Merrimack Valley. Haverhill received $24,500, Methuen got $36,000, and Groveland and Merrimac each received $2,490, according to WHAV.

The grant money may be used for recycling, composting, reuse and source-reduction activities that cut the volume of waste headed to landfills and incinerators, according to MassDEP.

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said the grants help municipalities manage solid waste costs. MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple called this year's round a "record investment" and said the funding gives towns "more resources to reduce waste, save money, and strengthen their programs for years to come."

North Andover has not announced how it plans to spend the $13,000. The town already runs several waste-diversion programs through its Sustainability Committee, chaired by Joanna E. O'Connell. The committee oversees a Green Schools Program in North Andover Public Schools (NAPS) that diverted more than 120,000 pounds of food waste and trays during the 2024-2025 school year, according to the town's sustainability page. Student Green Teams operate at every school, led by a designated Green Team teacher.

The numbers add up. NAPS cafeterias divert about 3,500 pounds of food waste and trays per week and use more than 50 fewer trash bags weekly than before the program launched. Close to 80% of NAPS cafeteria food ware is now certified compostable, replacing Styrofoam and other plastics, according to the town. Bootstrap Compost hauls the school food waste.

Beyond the schools, the Sustainability Committee sells Earth Machine compost bins for $47.81 at the North Andover Department of Public Works. Residents who prefer not to compost at home can sign up for weekly curbside food-waste pickup through Bootstrap Compost.

Residents with questions about the town's sustainability programs can email the committee at [email protected].