The Elk County Solid Waste Authority created a municipal waste management plan for the processing and disposal of municipal waste generated within the county over a 10-year period. A municipal waste management ordinance licensed municipal waste haulers to designated disposal sites, established solid waste administrative fees and designated permitting for the removal of demolition waste. It was a thorough, well-organized, well-managed, comprehensive attack on the generation and disposal of waste.

Seven collection containers were placed in various sections of the county with alternates for paper and plastic collection. As a result, 32 percent of all glass, aluminum, paper and plastic waste is now recycled. Tire collection and disposal yielded 12 semi-truck loads containing an estimated 10,000 tires. The county budgeted $10,000 to clean up illegal dump sites. Four newspaper shredders process 50 to 75 tons per year for farm bedding. Studies on septic waste treatment and landfill leachate determined landfill acceptance of local industry waste, allowing the county to stop shipping waste to other states. Three glass crushers were procured for use by local non-profit organizations. Recycling programs targeting schools and the general public were a part of their outreach strategy. Backyard compost bins were distributed to encourage composting and reduce disposal of these materials. A solid waste coordinator was hired to oversee the disposal of white goods, used oil and other municipal waste.

The county received a $10,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in 1997 for studies on air pollution, permit generalization and alternatives for pressed and powdered metal lubricants. Many local industries already use this resource. The solid waste coordinator actively participates in area activities such as the local Pollution Prevention Roundtable for industrial waste reduction and all solid waste programs sponsored by DEP.

Elk County Solid
Waste Authority
P.O. Box 448
Ridgway, PA 15853
Elk County

Organization Type:
Government

Waste Reductions:
10,000 tires
50-75 tons cow bedding

Other Benefits:
Clean-up of illegal dumps

"..[the Solid Waste Coordinator] has touched every resident in a very positive manner by initiating and administering a network of programs, civic activities, presentations, grants, aids to industry and communities and a host of other successes that have positively transformed the way of life in Elk County."
-Kristine M. Anderson