Butler County Department of Recycling and Solid Waste
Butler County has a diverse mixture of communities ranging
from dense suburban sprawl to old industrial and rural farms. In
order to meet the state's recycling mandates, the county
required some innovative programs flexible enough to satisfy its
varied demographics while providing comparable services. In
addition, based on prior experience the County opted not to become involved with
the ownership or operation of equipment or facilities.
Nestor Resources developed Butler County’s original 10 year Municipal Solid
Waste Management Plan, its 10 year Revisions and provides ongoing support for
its related project implementation. The plan includes a licensing
mechanism that requires private haulers to offer variable rate "PAYT" collection
and curbside recycling countywide to their residential customers at no
additional cost. Commercial recycling is also required on a countywide
basis. Municipalities were required to pass ordinances requiring that all
residents contract for collection services. The plan bans yard waste from
landfill disposal and provides for an aggressive backyard composting education
program. Revisions to the plan included a recommendation to organize the County
into solid waste management districts. It also suggested formation of a Regional
Recycling Council to provide input on how recycling goals could be accomplished
in the various demographic areas of the County.
Armstrong County Department of Planning and Development
Armstrong County has been at the forefront of recycling in Southwestern
Pennsylvania since the inception of its original plan. During that period
Armstrong County has played an active role in the funding and management of
these activities with the design and operation of its recycling drop off center
along with its circuit rider program. In spite of these efforts, according to
the most recent information provided by the PADEP, Armstrong
 County
has achieved a 19% recycling rate, below the 25% goal established by the State
in 1990. This is a drop from the 28% rate reported the previous year. In
addition, due to population shifts the County had no remaining mandated
municipalities required to provide recycling services to its residents.
Nestor Resources began the plan revision process by assessing the existing
infrastructure, its programs and practices in order to provide modifications and
enhancements in appropriate areas. The firm examined and improved the reporting
and record keeping procedures necessary to track and document the County’s
recycling performance. The plan provided practical recommendations and programs
that can be readily implemented by the County to increase community outreach
activities; to create public awareness and escalate participation in recycling
activities In addition, revisions were made to the solid waste licensing
ordinance and new disposal capacity agreements were secured. Recommendations for
inter-municipal government cooperation to expand recycling and composting
services in conjunction with local school districts were also a part of the
revisions.
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