LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska has awarded grants worth more than $1.6 million to encourage recycling and reduce littering.

The state Department of Environmental Quality recently announced the 54 grants.

Fees charged to certain manufacturers and retailers of products that contribute to litter pay for the grants.

Nearly $917,000 of the grants is earmarked for recycling programs.

Public education programs will receive $609,545.

Twelve grants are for cleanup programs are worth $108,483.