05/18/2026
Rotary Recycle Team Updates Upshur County Commission on Countywide Soft-Plastic Recycling Expansion
The Rotary Recycle Team recently presented an update to the Upshur County Commission on the continued growth of its community soft-plastic recycling initiative, highlighting opportunities for expanded countywide collaboration as the program moves into 2026 and beyond. Through the initiative’s partnership with TREX, collected soft plastics are recycled into outdoor products, with proceeds from the program helping fund accessible playground equipment for children in Upshur County. The initiative’s current goal is to collect 40,000 pounds annually.
The program officially launched in July 2025 in response to a growing environmental concern: the disposal of large quantities of soft plastics in local landfills. Through its partnership with TREX, Rotary developed a program designed not only to divert waste from the landfill stream, but also to create lasting community impact through future playground projects.
“This program was built from the ground up through partnerships, volunteers, and community investment,” Rotary representatives shared during the presentation. “What started as a grassroots recycling effort has grown into a countywide sustainability initiative with long-term benefits for both the environment and local families.”
Once the community need was identified and Rotary’s partnership with TREX Company was established, the initiative gained significant momentum through a $5,000 matching grant from Rotary District 7545. Combined with local sponsorship support, the funding allowed the Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur to purchase two industrial balers used to compress collected plastics for shipment and recycling.
The first baler was placed in partnership with Weyerhaeuser during the program’s startup phase, providing an important industrial partner that helped expand collection capacity and support the initiative’s early operational needs. That early collaboration helped lay the groundwork for the larger community-wide network throughout Upshur County.
A second, larger baler was later installed at the City of Buckhannon Recycling Center, which has since become a central operational hub for the program. Rotary representatives also noted that, through the organization’s growing relationship with TREX Company, the club is receiving a storage container used to hold compressed bales until pickup and transport.
Beyond infrastructure, Rotary leaders emphasized that the initiative has succeeded because it was designed as a true community partnership involving local government, businesses, schools, churches, nonprofits, and volunteers. These partnerships include: Weyerhaeuser, West Virginia Wesleyan College, St. Joseph’s Hospital, the Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce, Wendling’s Food Service, The Parish House, Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, and many others.
Each participating organization receives educational materials and guidance outlining collection standards and acceptable materials. Rotary leaders stressed that public education has been a critical component of the initiative from the very beginning.
“Our goal is to create a clean, reliable collection process that ensures the right materials are gathered while preventing contamination,” representatives explained. “Consistency and education are essential to making the program sustainable long-term.”
Additional milestones continue to demonstrate the program’s rapid growth. On May 1, the City of Buckhannon Recycling Center produced its first full bale of compressed soft plastic, weighing in at 1,468 pounds.
Rotary leaders emphasized that future expansion will depend heavily on broader countywide collaboration, particularly in rural areas where access to recycling services can be more limited.
“As we look deeper into 2026 and beyond, we see a real opportunity to expand this program countywide,” Rotary representatives told commissioners. “The County Commission reaches residents and facilities that our volunteer network simply cannot reach on its own.”
The Rotary Recycle Team invited commissioners to provide ideas for additional drop-off locations, assist with public awareness efforts, and continue building partnerships that strengthen environmental sustainability across Upshur County.
Commissioners were also encouraged to tour the Transfer Station and the City Recycling Center to observe the baler in operation and see firsthand the growing volume of material being diverted from local landfills.
“Our ask today is simple,” Rotary representatives concluded. “Your public support, your insight, and your partnership as we continue building a cleaner, more sustainable Upshur County.”
Rotary Recycle Team Soft-Plastic Drop-Off Locations
Current public drop-off locations include:
Coldwell Banker
The Parish House
Kelley Tierney State Farm Insurance
Chapel Hill United Methodist Church
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Region VII Planning & Development Council
Klie Law Offices
Upshur County Courthouse
