Waste Authority studying possibility of recycling drop-off site
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A local agency is studying whether it can establish a recycling drop off site in Wood County.
A location close to the interstate and U.S. 50 would be ideal to benefit the most residents and existing recycling providers, Sarah Robinson, executive director of the Wood County Solid Waste Authority, said Tuesday.
"We would like for it to be centrally located," she said.
Recycling came into the headlines recently when the city of Parkersburg earlier this year closed a recycling facility near the Memorial Bridge. The city, citing issues with manpower, also ceased municipal residential trash service and opted for private contractors for garbage collection and recycling.
The Solid Waste Authority is in the early planning stage, of which Robinson said the organization is "conceptually exploring." The authority is evaluating options and nothing has been finalized, she said.
A site of about one acre at little cost or free or through a long-term lease would be ideal, Robinson said. On-site utilities are not needed, she said.
A central location in the county with easy access to the interstate or U.S. 50 also would be ideal, Robinson said. Sites in Mineral Wells would be the most central and have access to major transportation routes, she said.
"That would be a good location for us for the transportation of materials," Robinson said.
Anything larger than an acre would cause operational issues, such as keeping the land clean of materials, Robinson said.
"By working together, we can create a convenient and sustainable recycling solution that benefits our residents, reduces waste and helps protect our environment for future generations," the authority said in a Facebook post.
The Solid Waste Authority is asking residents, property owners, businesses and organizations interested in discussing the opportunity to contact it at (304) 424-1873 or email directorwcswa@outlook.com.
The former recycling facility in Parkersburg is larger than what would be needed for a drop-off site, Robinson said. It would not be used to process recyclable materials, she said.
"We definitely don't need that big of an area," Robinson said.
The Parkersburg center was operated by the city since it was established under Mayor Helen Albright. Among concerns was the facility also was used by non-residents of Parkersburg and from other counties who paid nothing for the service.
"The solid waste board is dedicated to the finding a resolution for recycling in Wood County," Robinson said.
While the Solid Waste Authority is unconnected to the Wood County Commission, other than appointing representatives, commission President Blair Couch has proposed the former Johns Manville site in Vienna.
"It would be a good drop off and pick up point," he said.