New recycling fees ruled out at Latrobe's solid waste transfer station

Latrobe officials learned they cannot charge for accepting smaller recyclable items at the city’s solid waste transfer station and will have to look for another way to cover associated labor costs.

City manager Michael Gray said this week that the state Department of Environmental Protection confirmed Latrobe must continue to accept recyclable items without charging a related fee, in accordance with the operating permit for the station along Mission Road.

Gray told city council Monday that he would investigate whether fees could be added to help offset recycling-related costs. Since that option has been ruled out, he said he would look into applying for a state grant to help support the program.

“There is a cost involved,” said Gray. “It takes manpower to do the housekeeping and cleanup, pulling the (recycling) boxes in the event that they’re filled up.”

The drop-off recycling service will remain available to both city residents and non-residents, Gray said.

A survey two years ago indicated that roughly 90% of those using the station’s recycling services live outside the city, Gray said. Residents can use curbside recycling offered by Republic Services, the city’s contracted garbage hauler.

Nos. 1 and 2 plastic containers, aluminum and bi-metal cans are accepted at the transfer station, but public works director Scott Wajdic said cardboard accounts for the majority of recycling drop-offs. “The businesses that come there are unbelievable,” he said of the drop-offs.

The city recently approved increased fees for bulkier items accepted at the transfer station, including tires and appliances containing Freon.