Trash and recycling during the COVID-19 pandemic: CCRRA answers your questions
I wanted to dedicate this month’s column to answering the questions we have been getting the most over the past few months.
Q: Is the Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority open to the public?
A: The Transfer Station is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Our office building and Interpretive Center remain closed to the public. If you do visit our facility, we ask that you wear a mask to protect yourself and our employees.
Q: How do I recycle my plastic bags?
A: While some grocery stores have temporarily stopped collecting plastic bags, some are still accepting them. We suggest you check with the grocery store to confirm they are still accepting plastic bags for recycling. Plastic bags are also great to use to bag/contain your mixed paper for curbside recycling. As always, we do not accept plastic bags at any of our county recycling drop off locations.
Q. Are you still accepting electronics for recycling?
A: We are! Our Electronics Recycling Drop Off Facility is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. If you have electronics to recycle, follow the signs to the Scales and our Scale Operator will direct you to the drop off location. We have updated the electronics that we accept, so before bringing your items to our office, please check the electronics page of our website for a list of what we will accept for recycling, www.centrecountyrecycles.org/electronicsrecycling
Q: Do you have a paper shredding service?
A: The Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority does offer a paper shredding service in our Recycling Processing Building. Our shredding service was temporarily closed but has re-opened. The cost is $20 for up to 400 pounds of paper. If you have over 400 pounds of paper, please call for the price. To request an appointment, call 238-7005.
Q: How can I dispose of antifreeze, motor oil and paint?
A: We have a whole page on our website dedicated to auto waste as well as a page on what to do with paint. For information on auto waste, visit www.centrecountyrecycles.org/autowaste and for tips on proper paint disposal, visit https://www.centrecountyrecycles.org/paint.
Q: My curbside recycling bin was not collected, what should I do?
A: There are a few reasons why your curbside recycling was not collected. One way to ensure it is collected is to place your bin at the curb by 7 a.m. on your collection day. If it is still missed, please call our office at 238-7005 and we will try to track down the issue.
I hope this helps answer some questions you may have been wondering about the past few months. If you have a question about recycling or trash, please send me an email at aschirf@centrecountyrecycles.org and I can incorporate it in a future column.
Stay safe, happy and healthy and thanks for recycling!