Our Mission
Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to protect, restore, and maintain the environmental qualities of our county for the benefit of all who live, work, and visit herein.
We accomplish this mission by operating a recycling center for hard-to-dispose material, offering bi-monthly household hazardous waste collections, sponsoring and promoting community programs that address the proper disposal of solid waste, supporting the cleanup of illegal dumpsites and littered areas, and educating the public through presentations, and print and digital media. Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling both initiates and facilitates programs by bringing together a network of volunteers, industry leaders, and state and local government representatives to provide services in the most efficient and economical manner.
From a small band of volunteers frustrated by the dangers posed by an illegal dumpsite in their neighborhood, Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling has evolved into an essential countywide recycling organization that is managed by a small staff and volunteer board of directors and funded by Westmoreland County, member fees, private donations, sponsorships, and grants. Volunteers donate time, energy, and expertise to carry out our mission.
How We Got Here
PA CleanWays was founded in 1990 in Hempfield Township, Pennsylvania, to combat illegal dumping by coordinating the efforts of local residents, local businesses, and local government to clean up illegal dumpsites and to keep them clean.
By 1992, PA CleanWays had moved beyond Westmoreland County; its original charter was amended to become a chapter-based organization, with Westmoreland being the first chapter.
PA CleanWays of Westmoreland County expanded its services to address other issues related to solid waste that could create a serious environmental hazard to wildlife, vegetation and waterways if not disposed properly. Such items included tires, Freon appliances, scrap metal, car parts, chemicals and old paint, furniture and yard waste. By 1993, collection/recycling events for such hard-to-dispose items were organized. **The types of materials collected have grown and adapted to changing demand, and now include electronic waste, pharmaceuticals, and other hazardous materials.
In 1997, in recognition of its growing expertise in recycling, PA CleanWays of Westmoreland County signed a letter of understanding with Westmoreland County to serve as the county recycling coordinators, charged with overseeing all municipal, commercial and recycling activities in the county.
In 2005, PA CleanWays of Westmoreland County reincorporated as Westmoreland Cleanways to strengthen its identity and commitment to its members, volunteers, sponsors and funders in Westmoreland County.
In 2011, Westmoreland Cleanways became an Affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, bringing the power of America’s largest community improvement network, and their nationally recognized litter prevention, recycling, education, and beautification programs to the Westmoreland County community.
In 2014, Westmoreland Cleanways opened the Westmoreland Cleanways Recycling Center to better meet the needs of county residents. Now residents can recycle Hard-to-Recycle Items on a weekly base, instead of 5-6 times a year that was previously available.
In 2015, Westmoreland Cleanways updated its name to Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling in recognition of its focus on recycling, not just litter/illegal dump cleanups.
In 2020, Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling moved to a larger facility in which to expand options for collecting additional types of recyclables. Future goals include an outdoor classroom, a backyard composting site, and more.
In 2023, we had big changes. In February we started collecting plastic bottles and containers at the recycling center. In May we added a baler to the center and began accepting plastic bags and plastic film. We also started renovating unused warehouse space into an office facility complete with a conference room for educational and community meetings. In December the staff officially moved out of the of office trailer, into an the new facility.
