After 20 years of operation, the Tyler-Wetzel Recycling project has temporarily suspended its curbside collections. The Tyler-Wetzel Project is the longest running curbside collection of consumer recyclables in West Virginia, according to Wetzel County Solid Waste Authority (WCSWA) member Mark Cochran.

Funding for the project has come primarily from grants from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) and the West Virginia Solid Waste Management Board (WVSWMB).

These grant amounts have decreased significantly in recent years, resulting in the project no longer being adequately funded,” said Cochran.

The costs of collection are substantially greater than the revenue stream generated by the sale of the collected recyclables. Therefore, the Wetzel County Solid Waste Authority must at this time suspend the operation of the recycling project.

“Hundreds of households throughout Tyler and Wetzel counties currently participate in the curbside recycling project, and they are to be commended. That number indicates a vibrant interest in recycling and a commitment by those households to do the right things for our environment and our society. That interest must be supported,” said Cochran. However, the authority realizes a need to cut costs dramatically and re-engineer the local system of recycling. “We just can’t afford to continue the curbside pickup, but we would be remiss if we fail to support the interest that people have demonstrated,” he said.

Bill Hughes, chairman of the Solid Waste Authority, asks the people, “Please bear with us until we can complete the transition to a workable recycling process that we can afford. One suggestion that has been made is a centralized collection system, with collection containers strategically located throughout the two counties. That will require more effort on the part of the people, but we’re confident that folks will step up to the plate and ensure that the local recycling efforts will successfully continue.”

Curbside pickup was temporarily suspended as of Friday, Sept. 9. An alternate solution available right now is the Goodwill Recycling Center and Warehouse located in the New Martinsville Plaza at the far end of the Save-a-Lot Food store. Their facility will accept plastics (numbers 1, 2, and 5), aluminum, steel, brass, car batteries, cardboard, newspapers, office paper, books, copper (numbers 1 and 2), wooden skids, magazines, and electronics (all computer components, even games, etc.). However, they do not take old television sets. Of course they also take shoes, clothing, and other household items. Those items go through their thrift store and items that are not sellable are then recycled through various avenues.

Northern Mountain State Metals on North Street also still accepts aluminum cans, batteries, copper, and tin cans.

The authority welcomes suggestions from all interested parties on how they can continue some type of recycling program here in Tyler and Wetzel counties. Comments can be sent in care of the Wetzel County Solid Waste Authority at P.O. Box 61, New Martinsville, WV 26155, or by email to hughes@ovis.net.