Pop-up glass recycling collections planned this month
In response to the removal of glass from curbside recycling programs across Southwestern Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Resources Council will host two pop-up glass recycling collection events this month.
The first one, sponsored by Murrysville in Westmoreland County, will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 13 at the Murrysville municipal building, 4100 Sardis Road. The second, sponsored by Upper St. Clair Township, will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 20 at Village Square Mall, 5000 Oxford Drive in Bethel Park.
“Based on overwhelming demand from residents, local governments and the glass industry, PRC is providing an alternative for glass recycling,” PRC Co-Executive Director Justin Stockdale said in a news release.
New waste-collection contracts with Waste Management Inc. that began the first of the year eliminated glass and some plastics from curbside recycling programs, leaving officials in municipalities such as Peters and South Strabane townships scratching their heads over what to do with glass. Until they figure it out, residents may have to rely on pop-up collection programs, like the ones PRC is offering.
“This program will ensure that glass is not trash, even if it can no longer be put out for curbside recycling in numerous municipalities due to recent changes in waste haulers’ contracts,” Stockdale said.
Residents will be able to drop off glass bottles, jars and jugs for free, while PRC staff members will be on site to assist. PRC launched a pop-up glass collection campaign in March, and has so far collected 63 tons of recyclable glass, according to the release.
“Glass remains a valuable commodity with vibrant demand in the regional/national recycled materials marketplace,” Stockdale said in the release. “PRC now provides an opportunity for glass recycling in the Pittsburgh area that not only offers a solution for residents but that keeps the supply of recycled glass flowing to the mills that consume it as a raw material.”
Another option for residents is Michael Brothers Hauling and Recycling, at 901 Horning Road in Bethel Park. Residents can drop off glass bottles or jars during business hours, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.