New Westmoreland recycling center opens Monday in Unity

Westmoreland Cleanways will open its new recycling center just south of Route 130 in Unity at noon Monday, while following all of the prescribed Centers for Disease Control guidelines, the organization announced.

The organization has been able to work on the recycling center at 355 Pleasant Unity-Mutual Road, during the coronavirus-related shutdowns because recycling is considered an essential service, said Ellen Keefe, executive director of the nonprofit environmental organization in Unity. The new center is located near the Unity Township Municipal Authority sewage treatment plant.

“We suspect that we are going to be very busy the first couple weeks we’re open, so we ask for everyone’s patience as we figure out the new flow,” Keefe said.

Those dropping off recyclables must wear a mask. They must unload their own vehicles, although staff will be on hand to assist the elderly and disabled upon request, Keefe said. If assistance is required, visitors will be required to exit their vehicle and step away following staff direction.

As before, there are no residency requirements and no limit on the amount of material that can be brought to the center.

”Our mission is to serve our community and to encourage recycling as much as can possibly be properly recycled,” Keefe said.

As of now, only cash or checks made payable to Westmoreland Cleanways can be accepted to cover any recycling fees.

The Westmoreland Cleanways website is updated with all the necessary information, Keefe said.