Composting

Best Practices for Christmas Tree Recycling

ChristmasTreeThe Berkeley County Solid Waste Authority (BCSWA) is pleased to announce that there are two options for the recycling of organic Christmas trees for Berkeley County residents.

Option 1: Free Drop Off:

Effective immediately, the Grapevine Road Recycling Center and the South Berkeley Recycling Center will be accepting Christmas trees, free of charge. Both recycling centers are open every Tuesday through Saturday; 9am to 5pm. To find more information on the Berkeley County Recycling Program, feel free to call at 304-267-9370.

Option 2: Voluntary Curbside Pickup:

Apple Valley Waste is offering a by appointment voluntary curbside collection of Christmas tree for three days in January. The cost for the pickup service is $25.00 per tree. Apple Valley Waste will donate $12.00 per tree from the Christmas tree curbside collection to the Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle; Martinsburg - Berkeley County Unit. Berkeley County residents desiring pickup service must call Apple Valley Waste at 304-724-1834 or 877-267-1280 during business hours to schedule the pickup. Apple Valley Waste will recycle the trees at the Grapevine Road Recycling Center. 

Qualifications:

To qualify for acceptance, each Christmas tree must be organic and have all lights, ornaments, tinsel, wire, stands and all other forms of decoration removed. A good rule of thumb is to return the tree to the same natural state in which it was purchased. Each tree will be inspected by the recycling center staff prior to acceptance. Christmas tree vendors with excess stock are encouraged to participate in the free drop off program.

Fall Yard Waste Recycling Options

FallrecThe Berkeley County Solid Waste Authority (BCSWA) wishes to remind Berkeley County residents that various recycling options are available throughout the county for leaves, brush, garden waste and other organic waste. 

Free Drop Off: The South Berkeley Recycling Center and the Grapevine Road Recycling Center accept leaves, weeds, grass, garden waste and other vegetative material for recycling. These items are accepted for free. Each drop off center is open Tuesday - Saturday; 9am to 5pm. All organic material, except brush, can be mixed together. Brush must be separated from all other organic material, less than 10 feet long and less than 6 inches thick. There is a $10.00 cost sharing fee per pickup load of brush. Smaller loads are charged $1.00. Exact change is required. 

Should you have more questions or comments about the Berkeley County Recycling Program, feel free to contact our office.

Food Waste Program

FoodScrapThe Berkeley County Solid Waste Authority (BCSWA) is pleased to announce a new 12 month pilot program for the collection of certain food wastes. Effective immediately, certain food waste can be accepted at no cost at the Grapevine Road Recycling Center (GVRC) and the South Berkeley Recycling Center (SBRC). The one year pilot program is being funded by a $7,400.00 US-EPA Region III Grant.

Participants are encourage to utilize a reusable sealable container for the transportation of the food waste to a recycling center. All food waste must be removed from its manufactured packaging. Examples of acceptable food waste include meat, poultry, fish, bones, eggs, table scraps, fruits, vegetables, bread, pasta, grains, coffee grounds and tea bags. The acceptable food waste can be comingled together. Citizens, businesses, church groups, restaurants, farmer markets and community organizations are encouraged to participate. 

Examples of items  NOT acceptable include cardboard, cups, food wrap, gloves, grease, ice cream, ice cream cartons, liquids, juice, juice cartons, milk, napkins, paper towels, paper, pizza delivery boxes, pet waste, plastic bags, take out containers, plates, plastic tubs, Styrofoam, utensils, tissues or garbage. All food waste will be inspected by the recycling center staff. Items considered not acceptable will be rejected. The acceptable food waste will ultimately be composted at the Tabb and Son Composting Facility near Leetown WV. 

Both recycling centers are open every Tuesday through Saturday; 9am to 5pm. Should you have more questions or comments about the Berkeley County Recycling Program, feel free to contact our office.

BACKYARD COMPOSTING SEMINAR COMING: 

There is another opportunity to learn how to compost in your backyard. With support from Apple Valley Waste and the Tabb and Son Composting Facility, the popular 3-day training seminar will return. The class is set for Thursday June 8th, Friday June 9th, and Saturday June 10th. The class will meet from 6pm to 9pm on June 8th and June 9th; and from 8:30am to 5pm on Saturday, June 10th. Participants will learn how to effectively compost kitchen and yard waste in the backyard. An instructional tour of the Tabb and Sons Composting facility will also be offered. The class will cost $40.00 per student. You'll leave with a wealth of knowledge along with a reference book and a composting thermometer. The class will be taught by Certified Master Composters Melanie Files and Rick Lowman. Registration forms and additional information can be obtained by contacting our office at 304.267.9370 Registration forms are available here.