New Jersey Clean Communities Council

New Jersey Clean Communities Council

The New Jersey Clean Communities Council (NJCCC) is the 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation designated by the state to oversee the implementation of the Clean Communities Act of 1986. Headquartered at 222 West State Street in Trenton, near the State House complex, the council works in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Treasury to administer a comprehensive statewide litter-abatement program. Its primary mission is to reduce litter in public places through a combination of cleanup, education, and enforcement initiatives.

Grant Administration and Funding

The NJCCC manages the Clean Communities Program Fund, which generates approximately $20 million annually through a user fee on manufacturers and distributors of litter-generating products. These funds are disbursed as grants to:

• Municipalities and Counties: Funding for local cleanup crews, equipment, and enforcement of anti-litter ordinances.
• State Parks Service: Support for maintaining cleanliness in state-owned recreational areas.
• Non-Profits: Mini-grants for community groups participating in cleanup events.

Education and Outreach

A core component of the council’s mandate is changing public attitudes toward littering and waste disposal. The council spearheads major statewide campaigns, such as Bag Up NJ, which educates residents on the state’s single-use plastic bag ban, and initiatives to reduce marine debris. It also organizes the annual Clean Communities Expo, offering training and certification for municipal coordinators.

Office Access

The council’s administrative office is located in downtown Trenton. While primarily an administrative hub for grant management and program coordination rather than a walk-in service center for the general public, it serves as the central point of contact for municipal coordinators and business partners.