Hard To Recycle Collections Western PA

Since 2003, PRC has held Hard to Recycle collections in Southwestern PA with the goal of providing responsible and convenient recycling for items not able to be recycled at the curb. At these events individuals have been able to recycle such item as e-waste, cell phones, polystyrene, compact fluorescent bulbs, alkaline batteries, Freon-containing appliances, tires and more.

Over the past sixteen years, 31,000+ residents have participated in PRC’s collection events recycling 2,000,000 pounds of electronics, 12,000 plus tires, 3,700 appliances and much more.

PRC has further committed to the safe, ethical and responsible recycling of electronic waste through recognition by the Basel Action Network (BAN) as an eStewards^® Enterprise. The designation recognizes cities, companies and nonprofits that take concrete measures to eliminate the export of hazardous electronic waste (ewaste) to developing countries by using Certified eStewards Recyclers to manage their electronic waste.

Event Schedule

2019 Events

All events run from 9am to 1pm

August 3rd 2019
West Mifflin High School, West Mifflin Borough
HTR-West Mifflin Flyer

October 5th 2019
Settlers Cabin Park Wave Pool, Robinson Township
HTR-Settlers Cabin Flyer

Acceptable Material & Associated Fees

Acceptable Materials & Associated Fees

General Donations Accepted at all events

2019 Event Prices

MATERIALS COLLECTED AT NO COST:

CPU (towers) / Laptops / Mice /
Keyboards / Home phones / Cell Phones /Tablets /
PDAs / UPS/Servers / Router / Modems /
Web and Digital Cameras / DVD Players / VCRs
Paper Shredders / Clock Radios / Stereos
Microwaves / Copiers/ Fax Machines /
Scanners Zip Drive/ Electronic Cables /
Video Game Consoles /
Expanded Polystyrene Packaging Material/
(CFL) Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

MATERIALS COLLECTED FOR A FEE:

All Computer Monitors (flat screen & CRT) – $20 each
Televisions – $30 each
Console or Rear Projection TVs – $40 each
Printers – $5 each
Alkaline Batteries $1.50 per pound
Small Freon Containing Appliances (window ac units, dehumidifiers) $10 each
CDs, DVDs, VHS TAPES & FLOPPY DISKS $1.00 per pound
Tires (car/truck) $3.50 without rims $10 with rims
Hard Drive Data Destruction Verification -1 Drive $11.50 each
Hard Drive Data Destruction Verification -each additional drive after 1st $3 each

Fluorescent Tubes $2 per 4ft $3.50 per 8ft

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Hard to Recycle Collection Events.

For a great overview of what to expect at a Hard to Recycle event check out WHAT TO EXPECT AT HARD TO RECYCLE

Q. Do you take TVs? If so what is the cost?

A. YES we do take Televisions of all sizes. Our fees are $30 for all televisions, except in the case of a rear projection or a console TV, in this case they are $40. To see our complete list of fees click on the Acceptable Material & Associated Fees tab on this page.

Q. What forms of payment do you accept at these events?

A. We accept cash, check or credit/debit cards at our events. We do suggest cash to participants as the “cash only” lane tends to move you through the fastest.

Q. Is there anyone on site to help me unload?

A. Yes! The event is a drive through event, participants do not need to get out of their vehicles. PRC works to have volunteers on site to unload material from all participant vehicles.

Q. Do you unload vehicles past 1pm?

A. We unload anyone who is in line by 1pm. At that time the line is shut off and everyone who is in line at 1pm will be unloaded!

Program Partners

PRC partners with local companies to ensure responsible and proper disposal of all materials collected at our events. Our electronic recycler eLoop LLC, a local company based in Plum Borough, is a Basel Action Network e-stewards. As a certified e-steward, eLoop adheres to the highest industry standard for recycling responsibility which ensures no disposal in landfills or incinerators, no prison labor, nor any export of toxics to poor communities. PRC’s other Hard to Recycle partners include;

Volunteer Info

Volunteers are an essential part of each and every collection event, and volunteering is a great way to make a positive impact on the environment of Southwestern PA! At the Hard to Recycle Collection events the public is able to drop off electronic waste, tires, batteries, CFLs, and more for recycling.

What does a volunteer do?
As a collection volunteer, you will:

Participate in a brief training session prior to the start of your event
Perform tasks such as set up, directing traffic, handing out educational materials, and much more!

Volunteer shift is as follows:

Full-day shift: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Partial day shifts:
- - 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
  - 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

: Volunteers collect ewaste to recycle

: Hard to Recycle Volunteers

: Volunteers help recycle tires

PRC provides breakfast, lunch and refreshments for the day. The events run rain or shine so volunteers are advised to dress for the weather. Safety vests and gloves are provided to all volunteers.If you would like to volunteer for a Hard to Recycle Collection, please e-mail
Sarah Shea.