City expands recycling program to yard waste
The city recycling center is now open to drop-offs of yard waste and organic materials at the entrance to Washington Park.
A wood chipper and mulcher is one of three pieces of equipment the city of Washington acquired with a DEP recycling grant.
Branches, shrubbery and other yard waste can now be recycled at the Washington public works building near the entrance of Washington Park. The city has announced an expanded recycling program every weekday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dunn Avenue location that’s open to drop-offs of organic yard waste.
“This is in addition to our biweekly pickup program of plastics, glass and other typical recyclables,” said Mayor Scott Putnam, “and the great thing about this is the initial mulching of it all will help line our trails in the parks. The excess will go to AgRecycle, where the city will get paid to push off the extra compost.”
Putnam said because the city would be compensated for excess contributions, it’s open to all Washington County residents, not just those who live in the city.
“And if residents can’t take advantage of the mulching program, they can still drop off plastics, glass and other traditional recyclables in a Dumpster at the site,” said city councilman Joe Manning.
The expanded program was paid for with a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection grant, which also netted the public works department a wood mulcher and front loaders for recycling efforts.