Recycling Services, Inc.
2019 Transition Update
During the 1960’s, news headlines abounded with stories like Ohio’s Cuyahoga River engulfed in flames from the volumes of pollution in the water, and America’s symbol, the bald eagle, was threatened with extinction. During this period, the terms “Environmentalism” and “Earth Day” were born. In 1971 a group of students formed the Owen J. Roberts (OJR) Environmental Club. The OJR students began recycling, a concept forgotten since the Allied war efforts of World War II.
In 1985 the OJR Recycling Center transitioned into a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit corporation and became Recycling services, Inc. RSI began to search out new recycling streams and markets for a greater variety of materials, becoming a leader in the environmental movement. During this period, terms like “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” and “curbside recycling” became common.
In 2018 another transition occurred when Jim Crater, long term president of RSI retired, and a new board of directors was elected.
Decisions in China have negatively affected the global markets of recyclable materials and years of build-up created a situation where the center needs a serious clean up. The new board is tasked with this, as well as determining a path to fiscal sustainability for RSI. A large scale clean-up is currently under way and volunteers are reaching out to find new directions for materials currently on site and into the future. The new board is also working with the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to ensure compliance with all regulations.
Donations to support this clean-up and transition are greatly appreciated and can be made through PayPal on the web site or by check. We hope to be ready to re-open the center for collections in the spring, in time to honor and celebrate Earth Day 2019.
We now accept online donations through Paypal! Click the button below to make your tax-deductible donation. Thank you for your support!
