Curbside recycling collection suspended in Centre County due to COVID-19

The Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority will suspend curbside recycling as of Monday in an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus. Trash and refuse collection services will not be affected.

CCRRA announced the change Friday, saying it is needed to protect its workers because they sort items by hand from recycling bins to trucks. Additionally, there are “many unknowns about how long the COVID-19 virus remains viable on surfaces.”

Residents can store their recyclables until service begins again or bring them to one of the drop-off sites around the county. A list of sites is available at www.centrecountyrecycles.org/dropoffrecycling. CCRRA said it is working with local leaders to expand drop-off services during the shutdown, which will be in effect “until further notice.”

While Friday’s announcement covers the vast majority of curbside recycling in the county, those who are unsure if they are part of CCRRA’s program can call the authority at 238-7005.

“While we understand that the suspension of the curbside recycling program will alter efforts to help the county reduce waste going to the landfill, we must implement every action practical to limit community spread and protect our workers from COVID-19,” CCRRA said in a statement. “We appreciate the community’s understanding of these measures during this critical time.”