N E W S R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Heidi Pedicone

Project Manager

PA CleanWays, Inc.

(724) 836-4121

RELAXING, RECYCLING, AND RECREATING

GREENSBURG (May 4, 2005) - Keystone State Park, located just east of New Alexandria, is now recycling plastics, metals, glass, cardboard, and office paper. The park is able to take recycling seriously, thanks to a partnership between the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA CleanWays, Inc., PA CleanWays of Westmoreland County, Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania (PROP), and Waste Management.

Keystone recently installed three mini depot recycling bins for plastics 1 & 2, aluminum/bi-metal, and glass, along with signs encouraging park users to recycle. “I feel strongly that the state park system should be committed to recycling,” said Park Manager, George Calaba, “and appreciate the cooperation of both PA CleanWays and Waste Management to help us bring recycling to Keystone State Park.” Pam McQuistian, Environmental Education Specialist, is promoting the new system through handouts given to those who visit, camp or lease cabins at the park.

Through an agreement with Waste Management, co-mingled recycling rolloffs and hauling costs for the recyclables are provided free of charge to the park. PA CleanWays of Westmoreland County provided a paper recycling bin and PROP provided technical assistance.

The purchase and installation of the recycling bins and signs was part of a recycling pilot project, funded through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Forest Lands Beautification Program. DCNR works in partnership with the non-profit organization, PA CleanWays, Inc., to identify illegal dumpsites in state parks and forests and to form community volunteer teams to help remove the trash.

To date, more than 300 illegal dumpsites have been identified throughout Pennsylvania. Since the program’s inception, 248 sites have been cleaned through the efforts of more than 2,400 volunteers. These cleanups have resulted in the removal of more than 2,900 tons of household trash, 27,900 tires, 400 tons of scrap metal and 600 tons of concrete.

Those wanting more information about recycling or proper disposal in Westmoreland County should contact the Westmoreland County Recycling Coordinator at (724) 836-4129.

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PHOTO OF NEW MINI DEPOT: Left to Right – Sandy Carlson, PA CleanWays, Inc.; Pam McQuistian, Keystone Environmental Education Specialist; George Calaba, Keystone State Park Manager; Ellen Keefe, PA CleanWays of Westmoreland County.