SHEPPTON - Recycling is becoming a local responsibility in Schuylkill County.
East Union Township and Saint Clair are the latest municipalities in the county looking to start their own recycling programs by the end of the year.
The county commissioners approved Wednesday the transfer of recycling equipment to East Union Township. The transfer included a 2000 International recycling truck and four to six recycling bins. The surplus equipment was originally purchased with grant money.
Lisa Mahall, county engineer, said the vehicle was not being used and was probably going to be scrapped.
"I think this is a better use of it," Mahall said.
The township has plans of operating its own drop-off site for its residents at the municipal building, 10 E. Elm St., Sheppton.
"I know the township has been trying to do it for several years," Lisa Davidson, township manager, said Wednesday.
Davidson said the township was looking for surplus equipment with the goal of starting the drop-off recycling program as soon as the transaction is finalized.
"The nearest bins are in Ringtown," Davidson said.
Meanwhile, Saint Clair recently received a $186,000 state grant to start its recyclable collection.
Roland Price Jr., borough secretary, said the money will be used for a recycling vehicle and containers.
"We are looking to initiate a recycling program probably within the next couple months," Price said.
The borough has its own sanitation services and a drop-off site for recyclables. The plan is to include recyclables in the curbside services and close the drop-off site.
Municipalities with certain populations are required by state law to have curbside recycling. In Schuylkill County, that law applies to Pottsville, Shenandoah, Schuylkill Haven and Tamaqua. Although not required, Minersville, Mechanicsville, Mahanoy City and Coaldale started the services through local ordinances.
Schuylkill County had 22 recycling sites in eight boroughs and 14 townships at the start of the year. Five recycling sites have been closed in the last four years, Lee Raring, county recycling and solid waste coordinator, previously said.
Reasons varied from people putting garbage and nonrecyclables at the site to municipalities starting its own programs. For example, Rush Township switched to curbside recycling on March 3.