SWA puts out bids for e-cycling event, talks recycle bins at Buckwheat Festival

Jeniffer Graham, The Dominion Post, Morgantown, W.Va.
·2 min read

Mar. 4—KINGWOOD — The Solid Waste Authority will put out bids for its e-cycle event in May.

Don Smith, who represents the Preston County Commission on the SWA, said the bids will be opened during the June meeting. The e-cycle event will be Aug. 20.

Smith said he would also like to change the location from the Civic Center to the old Preston Memorial Hospital site. He said he would coordinate with the Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department for use of the location, as it would make it easier for traffic to get in and out.

Smith said last year's event resulted in the collection of about 12 tons of electronics. He said this number did not include the CRTs that were collected and taken to the landfill.

Also discussed was making recycling bins available for the Buckwheat Festival. Smith said he talked with members of Rotary about collapsible bins and was told the group would vote on it at the next meeting. He said the bins were 3-feet tall, collapsible for storage, and cost $68 each.

A motion was made and passed to buy the bins and coordinate with Rotary about doing pick-up at the festival once the bins were full.

Also discussed at the meeting was recycle bins for classrooms. County Litter Officer Jay Sowers said he would contact school officials and find out which classrooms would like one.

Smith said once Sowers finds out how many bins are needed, he will write a grant to cover the cost.

Sowers told board members the state no longer wants to do a yearly tire amnesty. He said a year-round program is preferred.

"They (the state) will pay for the program. We could be open every Saturday and Tuesday and see how it goes. I was told they would pay for a supervisor and three employees, " Sowers said.

Smith said according to information he received, the SWA would be responsible for maintaining the trailer, setting up collection dates, installing cameras and prosecuting anyone who damaged the trailer.

"The trailer will be in Terra Alta, " Sowers said. "But I don't see us being there (open) in the winter."

Smith said he would sign the agreement.

Other business In other business, the board voted to purchase a Toughbook laptop for the Preston County Sheriff's Department. The laptop cost about $2, 857.

Toughbook is a trademarked brand name owned by Panasonic Corp. that refers to its line of rugged computers. Toughbook laptops are designed to withstand forces that would usually damage or destroy a regular laptop. Due to their durability they are used in a variety of industries, including construction, defense, emergency services, healthcare, law enforcement and manufacturing services.

The next meeting of the Preston County SWA will be 7 p.m. April 6.

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