By Alexis Tarrazi / Senior Reporter

CARLSTADT (Nov. 26, 2009) — Proving that no matter how small a municipality is, it can still make a difference — Carlstadt received the second highest recycling grant in Bergen County for 2007.

The borough received $105,982 from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Program. Paramus received the top spot in Bergen County with $127,511. The Municipal Recycling Assistance Grant program is always two years behind, said David Stoltz, councilman and recycling chairman.

Since 2003, Carlstadt has always landed in the top three in Bergen County — the borough took third in 2003 and 2004 and second for 2005 and 2006.

“This is the bright star in the borough,” said Councilman Joseph Crifasi. “In today’s economy, where money is tight, $100,000 is great.”

In The Leader’s coverage area, East Rutherford trailed Carlstadt with $48,925; Lyndhurst had $28,749; Rutherford, $22,136; North Arlington, $8,646; and Wood-Ridge, $5,994.

The grant money is based upon the municipality’s population and recovered recycling tonnage, according to the Carlstadt Recycling Committee.

In 2007, the total tonnage in Carlstadt was 35,742.07 commercial and 1,467.07 residential.

The residential tonnage is what the recycling department picks up and the commercial tonnage is what the borough receives from all the businesses and contractors in town, according to the Carlstadt Recycling Committee.

Besides the grant, the recycling committee reported generating $42,325 from disposing of recycled products from borough residents, which also had a cost avoidance to taxpayers of $131,838.

“This past year the total savings to taxpayers of Carlstadt through recycling was $237,810,” Stoltz said at a council meeting. “I think we did a very good job.”

From last year’s funds of $62,944, Carlstadt was able to purchase a pickup truck and two pieces of equipment for recycling; print a calendar; give out United States savings bonds to the winners of the annual Poster Calendar Contest; and renovate the borough garage.