The Mckean County Recycling Compactor Back in Operation

The County Recycling Compactor located in Smethport is now operational. County staff identified the cause of the malfunction as an electrical issue and local efforts were made to repair the compactor late on Tuesday afternoon.

The compactor is available to residents free of charge as a nosort option for recycling. It is imperative that those using the compactor break down boxes, especially large heavy cardboard, and make sure all items are recyclable. A list of household items is posted on the site.

Plastic bags cannot be recycled and those who collect household recycling in plastic bags must remove the items from the bags. The compactor operates automatically and will run when the level of items reaches a laser line inside the machine. If users continue to load recycling while the machine is running, the compactor cannot retract and the machine is jammed.

“While I was on site to determine if the county could resolve the issue or we would have to call out for repairs, I encountered a resident who had driven from Bradford to drop off recycling,” said Commissioner Tom Kreiner. “There are many occasions when someone jams up the machine and it is out of service until business hours and it can be reset and this is frustrating to users as it was today.”

“I am sympathetic to those who recycle responsibly only to find someone was impatient and tossed in items while the machine is running or didn’t take the time to break down a large box,” Kreiner added. “The Recycling Compactor is a grantfunded project and free to use, but just one person who doesn’t cooperate creates an inconvenience for many others.”

“We are asking for courtesy and cooperation in a publicly provided service from everyone,” Kreiner concluded.

The recycling compactor area is open to the public to use from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. It is locked after 4:00 p.m. and on the weekends and holidays. Residents may obtain a key fob for swipe entry into the recycling area for $10.00 for activation and the first year from the Mckean County Planning Office. Key fobs do require an annual renewal fee of $5.

“Key fobs are a great option for residents who need to bring their recycling after hours or on weekends,” said Rick Fry, Planning Director. “I do echo Commissioner Kreiner’s comments that it is very inconvenient to drive to Smethport with a load of recycling to find the machine has been jammed, especially with higher gas prices.”

The key fob is a plastic card that activated the lock on the facility after hours. Fry suggests that users write the renewal date on their card so they remember to pay for the following year and don’t arrive to find an expired card. Cards are deactivated without the renewal payment each year.

For more information about the recycling program or to obtain a key fob, residents can contact the Planning Office at 814-887-2745.