Pine Township and PRC implement glass recycling program

Pine Township, Pennsylvania, has launched a new glass recycling bin program in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC) and Pittsburgh-based Michael Bros. Hauling and Recycling. This program will give residents a contact-free glass recycling option alongside the township’s existing glass pickup system. 

According to PRC’s website, Pine Township’s glass recycling bin program is part of the Glass Recycling Collaborative of Southwestern Pennsylvania, a partnership between municipalities in Allegheny County and PRC that provides reliable, uninterrupted glass recycling access.  

“Pennsylvania Resources Council and Michael Brothers Hauling and Recycling had approached us to see if we would be interested in joining that regional partnership,” Kirsten Primm, Pine Township planner, explains. “We’ve done several surveys recently, and a lot of people had been stating that they would like glass recycling options.” 

One recycling bin will be installed in the parking lot of the township building, but expansion of the program will be considered in the future.  

“If [the program] is really successful, or if we're seeing a lot of traffic, we're going to look into additional locations,” Primm says, “whether that's near the community center, or we partner with a local business.” 

Residents will be able to bring glass bottles, jars and jugs of any color to the bin site for drop-off. Materials do not have to be cleaned, and labels, lids and caps do not have to be removed because those items will be sorted and recycled through the program as well, Primm adds.  

According to the Tribune-Review, Michael Brothers Hauling and Recycling will haul the materials to Cap Glass in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, for sorting and recycling. Michael Brothers will remotely monitor bin capacity using sensors and cameras, and glass will be collected when the bin is approximately 75 percent full.    

Vogel Disposal Service, the township’s waste hauler, currently handles glass collection. Through Vogel, glass is repurposed to be used as alternative daily cover (ADC) for landfills. The company only accepts clear, brown, green and amber bottles and food jars and requires that materials be washed and labels and lids be removed, Primm says.  

“We’re excited that we have two different options,” she continues. “You can [stay home], and Vogel can pick it up and repurpose it, or you can stop by the township building and recycle.” 

The Pine Youth Council, a club at Pine Township’s high school, will maintain the bin site three times a week. Students will be awarded community service hours for their participation. A broom and dustpan also will be available for residents to use to clean up after themselves, Primm adds.  

The Tribune-Review reports that the program’s estimated year-one buy-in fee is $5,000 per site but that by the second year, sites are expected to be self-sustaining.  

According to Primm, an official ribbon cutting ceremony featuring Miss Pennsylvania will kick off the site to boost program awareness within the community. 

“This isn't going to take away Vogel, they will still absolutely collect the glass,” Primm says. “But, it's another opportunity to recycle and educate the community on their options and different opportunities.”