Recycling push for Cameron
By Alex Davis Endeavor News

Efforts are underway to remove more items from Cameron County's "waste stream" and have them recycled.

Cameron County Recycling Coordinator Tara Newton has announced that the Plank Road Hollow center in Emporium may be open during the week, in addition to its Saturday hours.

Aluminum and steel cans, clear glass, cardboard boxes, and plastic are collected at the site, open every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm.

Newton will meet soon with Commissioners JoAnn Smith, Glen Fiebig and Phil Jones, along with recycling assistant Rex Waddington, to address the issue.

She added that arrangements could be made to recycle more material, including green and brown glass, newspapers and magazines.

"I hope more people are willing to recycle," said Newton, who took over the responsibilities in January.

Waddington sorts recyclables and keeps the center orderly. Once the bins are full, the recyclables are transported to McKean or Potter County. Some 14 tons were collected last year.

Pa. Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) funds help to cover the cost of the recycling coordinator and equipment.

Newton's duties include compiling an annual report listing items recycled at the center, as well as tires, oil, antifreeze and car batteries required by state law to be recycled at automotive repair stations.

Grass and leaf debris collected by the Emporium and Sinnemahoning boroughs is also reported. Emporium Borough received DEP assistance to buy a leaf blower and a recycling truck.

There are other opportunities for residents to recycle. Boy Scout Troop 551 collects aluminum cans behind the former E&G department store on Third Street. Cans are emptied every Saturday and recycled by a Weedville company. Proceeds benefit Boy Scout activities.

In addition, Gore's Auto Sales, Singer's and the Pitt- Stop recycle their oil, antifreeze, batteries and tires.

Additional information on the recycling program is available by calling 486-9335.