Pine glass recycling bin now open

Pine residents can now drop off glass bottles, jars, and jugs of all colors at a permanent recycling station in the municipal building parking lot thanks to a grant provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

The township celebrated the grand opening of its new recycling bin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 1. The event kicked off with free pop-up fitness classes (cardio, HIIT, total body strength, and yoga) presented by the Pine Community Center. The ribbon-cutting was followed by a barbeque provided by township staff to celebrate Labor Day Weekend.

The Pennsylvania Resource Council, Michael Brothers Hauling and Recycling, and Miss Pennsylvania Miranda Moorem all had educational booths at the event. Moore is an environmental engineer and sustainability professional who advocates for environmental awareness and women in STEM.

The blue recycling bin is located at 230 Pearce Mill Road and is available for self-serve drop-off around the clock. Containers should be empty and rinsed, with lids and labels still on. Bags and boxes used to deliver glass must be discarded off-site.

All glass collected will be hauled by Michael Brothers to CAP Glass in Mt. Pleasant, where it will be sorted and prepared for use by regional glass product manufacturers. A bottle, jar or jug dropped in the bin can be recycled and back on a store shelf in less than 30 days.

“Our comprehensive plan in Pine talks about the value of environmental stewardship in our community,” said township manager Jason Kratsas. “I’m excited the Township of Pine can provide a program to satisfy our community’s needs by giving residents another option that will recycle glass products, not just repurpose them.”