Recycling: Celebrating CCRRA’s 2026 Centre County Green Community Partners
We are proud to recognize the local businesses, schools and organizations that go above and beyond in waste reduction, recycling, composting and sustainability. Their efforts make a meaningful impact on our community and environment.
The Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority created the Centre County Green Community Partnership Program back in 2014 to honor these leaders. The program is open to all Centre County entities committed to environmentally responsible practices, including recycling, waste reduction, energy conservation, composting, and reuse.
Applicants complete an online form outlining their sustainability efforts, which are reviewed by a panel of experts. Selected participants are recognized at an Awards Luncheon and featured throughout the year in local publications and on social media.
We are pleased to announce the 2026 Centre County Green Community Partners:
AAUW State College; Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania; Bellefonte Bed and Breakfast; Benjamin’s Catering; Boalsburg Car Co; Borough of State College; Centre County PAWS; Centre Markets; Centre Region Council of Governments; Centre Region Council of Governments Department of Refuse and Recycling; Centre Volunteers in Medicine; Discovery Space; Elementary Virtual Academy – SCASD; Envinity; Foxdale Village; General Potter Farm; Good Day Cafe; Grace Lutheran Church; Habitat for Humanity Greater Centre County ReStore; Happy Valley Optical; Jabebo LLC; KB Offset Printing; Keck’s Collision Repair; Nittany Eye Associates; Nittany Valley Charter School; Park Forest Middle School (SCASD); Pick Firearms, LLC; Pick Research Solutions, Inc.; Restore Eye Care; Scraps & Skeins; Simplicity: A Bed and Breakfast; State College Presbyterian Church; State College Spikes; The Queen, A Victorian Bed and Breakfast; The Village at Penn State; Village Eatinghouse Handcrafted Sauces; Village Heights Condominium Association; and Weis Markets.
From this outstanding group, two recipients were selected for the prestigious Emerald Award, recognizing exceptional leadership and measurable progress in sustainability. The 2026 Emerald Award recipients are Centre Markets and State College Presbyterian Church.
All 2026 Green Community Partners were celebrated at the Awards Luncheon held April 14 at Foxdale Village. Awardees will also be featured in our summer newsletter, on our website, and across our social media platforms. Each partner will also be highlighted individually online.
This program is offered every two years. Watch for the next application cycle opening in 2027 for the spring 2028 awards.
Congratulations to all of our 2026 awardees. We are proud to celebrate your commitment to a more sustainable Centre County!
Amy Schirf is education coordinator for the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority. Contact her at aschirf@centrecountyrecycles.org.