Centre County recycling authority wins DEP planning grant to explore local glass processing; commissioners approve acceptance

The Centre County Board of Commissioners on July 2 voted to accept a $75,000 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection 901(a) municipal recycling planning grant, with an $18,750 match from the Center County Recycling and Refuse Authority, to study expanding glass recycling and processing in the county.

Mimi Cooper, recycling coordinator for the authority, told commissioners the grant would support evaluating whether Centre County could become a regional hub for glass collection and processing after longtime regional processor Recycle (Port Allegheny) closed in 2025. "They abruptly shuttered their doors in 2025, which left us sort of scrambling for an outlet to recycle our glass," Cooper said.

Jason Nidek, the authority's executive director (introduced by Cooper), described an award and demonstration event July 28 and outlined the authority's efforts: collecting propane bottles for safe evacuation, piloting an AI "Alchemy" sorting system to improve material separation and inviting tours for commissioners. He said the new sorting tech "does not eliminate any jobs" and allows redeployment of staff to other authority roles.

Cooper summarized the grant funding history for the authority since 1988 and said the DEP planning grant would help the authority examine processing options that could keep more material and economic activity in Centre County. Commissioners asked about operational details, curbside logistics and potential for additional jobs; the authority said some manual sorting will remain and that processed glass in three color streams (flint/clear, amber, emerald) is highly sought by manufacturers.

The board approved acceptance of the grant by voice vote. Commissioners encouraged attendance at the July 28 award event; staff will follow up to arrange a tour and finalize the grant signature.