The Jackson Recycling Board has run out of money, which means recycling operations will be changing. The non-profit board decided to close the recycling station at 5717 Wales Ave. NW. The facility will be replaced with self-service drop-off spots around the township.
Three of the spots will be operating in the coming week outside Jackson Memorial Middle School, near the barn in South Park and behind Jackson High School. It’s expected that additional drop-off locations will be added outside the township’s school buildings.
The recycle center opened in 1983 and collected paper, aluminum, plastic and other materials. The non-profit agency worked with the Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Recycling District to collect materials and sell them to recycling companies. But recycling has become less profitable. Over the past three years prices have dropped for commodities, leaving the center short on funds to cover operating costs.
Large yellow bins, provided by the waste district, are being installed at the three new locations. Cans, paper, cardboard and plastic can be dropped off. Glass also can be dropped off, but not at bins located on school grounds. “We feel this will be bigger and better,” Jackson Township Trustee John Pizzino said of the change.