Ellen Keefe is preparing to retire as executive director of Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling after 23 years of service with the nonprofit.

Now that the organization has settled into its new recycling center near Pleasant Unity, in Unity Township, Keefe said, “It’s the right time for me to do it, and the right time for the organization. It’s time to turn it over to somebody else. It’s a good transition point.”

She said she plans to leave at the end of September, which also is the end of Westmoreland Cleanways’ fiscal year. That should allow her time to train her successor. April 16 is the deadline for those interested in the position to submit a letter to the organization’s board of directors. Details are posted at westmorelandcleanways.org, under the “Bulletin Board” heading.

“I don’t know what my next adventure is going to be,” said Keefe, of Derry Township. She noted she’s looking forward to spending more time with her four far-flung children and her 10 grandchildren.

Keefe joined the nonprofit in 1998, in the part-time position of program director that put her in charge of educational programs. Though she had no previous background in recycling, she said, “It was something that just sunk into my psyche. The more I saw that needed to be done, the more I wanted to do.”

She became executive director in 2007.

Environmental stewardship has always been an overriding goal for Westmoreland Cleanways, but its emphasis has evolved. Keefe noted clearing up illegal dumps was an early priority. More attention since has been devoted to recycling, in response to public demand.

The nonprofit was designated the county’s recycling coordinator, working with local municipalities to help them comply with state recycling mandates. It also began offering one-day recycling drop-off events in various communities.

From a small office in downtown Greensburg, Westmoreland Cleanways moved into its first recycling center, along Route 30 east of town, in 2014. “It was such a big leap of faith,” Keefe recalled.

Within several years, the organization was in search of a larger site. It began the move to its current location, at 355 Pleasant Unity Mutual Road, in December 2019, though recycling operations didn’t get started there until May, with staff following covid-19 pandemic health guidelines.

“It’s been a blessing to find that place,” Keefe said. “It’s amazing how far we’ve been able to come in just a year. Everything is looking so well down there.”

During operating hours, Westmoreland Cleanways continues to offer free drop-off of old televisions for recycling. It recently added a densifier for recycling foam cups, plates, bowls, egg cartons, meat trays and block-style packaging for electronics or furniture.

Additional plans include proposed classroom space for educational programs.

“It’s really been a rewarding and exciting time,” Keefe said.

She continues to serve as an appointed board member of both the Derry Township Municipal Authority and the Latrobe Municipal Authority.

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