Pine partnering with PRC for glass recycling

Pine Township is implementing a new glass recycling bin program as part of a new partnership between municipalities in Allegheny County and the Pennsylvania Resources Council to provide reliable, uninterrupted glass recycling access.

The glass recycling bins provide a contact-free, self-serve drop-off recycling service with flexible schedules and are free for residents and visitors.

“This kind of program has been frequently requested by residents,” said township planner Kirsten Primm.

Glass bottles, jars and jugs of any color can be recycled. Labels and lids don’t need to be removed, colors don’t need to be separated, and glass does not need to be washed. Mirrors, televisions and light bulbs cannot be accepted.

The current glass collection service in Pine via Vogel Disposal Service, the township’s garbage collector, requires all glass items to be prepped before collection. The glass collected by Vogel is reused to line landfills but not recycled.

“This doesn’t take away from Vogel’s services, you just get another option,” Primm said.

All labels and lids are also sorted and recycled through this program. Even if an item is mistakenly placed in the glass recycling bin, the item is not tossed but also recycled.

Michael Brothers Hauling Recycling hauls all glass to CAP Glass in Mt. Pleasant, where the glass is sorted and prepared for use by regional glass product manufacturers.

“Something that’s really cool is the recycled glass in a bin today can be recycled and back on a store shelf in less than 30 days,” Primm said.

The program’s estimated year-one buy-in fee is $5,000 per site. From the second year, sites are expected to be self-sustaining without grant funds or buy-in fees for up to 10 years.

PRC estimates a hauling frequency of one to two monthly pulls in the service area. Total year one cost estimate is $13,000, total year two cost estimate is $8,000.

If Pine partners with neighboring municipalities to cost-share for the services, the above costs would be divided between the communities. Annual DEP 904 grants could be utilized for program costs.

Township officials had a preliminary meeting with PRC and Michael Brothers to discuss the program and possible bin location so as not to impact traffic or the township parking lot negatively.

Supervisor Pat Avolio expressed concerns about whether or not the bins would get much use because residents would have to haul the glass to the bin themselves.

“If you don’t think it will get much use being in the township lot we could certainly put it in a different location,” Primm said. “The glass recycling bin I helped kick off at my last job is located at a Fine Wine Good Spirits, not a municipal location. That bin is one of the most-used glass recycling bins in the entire county.”

Cameras with sensors line the inside of the bin and are monitored remotely by Michael Brothers. When a bin is 75% full, Michael Brothers will pick up the glass, typically on the same day.

The township would be responsible for maintaining the bins and site unless they partner with a local business to help with maintenance.

“We do not want this to be a burden on township staff, especially public works, so we can collaborate with a local group (EAG, Rich-Mar Rotary, Youth Council, or local Scouts) to maintain the site or clean it up once or twice a week,” Primm said.

Primm suggested providing a magnetic broom and dustpan on the bin for residents to clean up if needed.

“If the township enters the program and decides it isn’t for us, we can exit the program at any time, which I feel like is a big factor,” Primm said.

An estimated 100-200 tons of glass are collected annually per site.

“I think it’s a great idea. Unlike composting or rain barreling, which some people aren’t able to do on their properties, anyone can drive and drop stuff off and everyone has glass,” supervisor Audrey Mackie said.

The township can expect to receive $2,000-$4,000 in additional DEP 904 Grant funds by participating in the program. Through glass recycling, there’s a 17-30 ton reduction of carbon dioxide.

“Michael Brothers has already asked what more they can offer to Pine to get more involved with the community. The world is our oyster with this program,” Primm said.

Next steps for the township involve passing a resolution/signing an agreement to enter into the program.