Recycling headed to Onalaska

But volunteers are needed

By Emily Banks Wooten
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In its 10 months of operation, the Polk County Recycling Center has diverted over 62,000 pounds of materials from the Polk County Landfill. The center is operated by Polk County Recycling & Beautification (PCRB), a nonprofit organization that has partnered with Polk County to provide a reliable recycling service for the residents of East Texas, sustained by grants, donations and the sale of recyclable materials.

The venture has been such as success that PCRB is now in the process of bringing recycling to Onalaska. The county is providing a drop-off area and storage at the Onalaska Citizen’s Collection Station at 416 Onalaska Loop. PCRB will be responsible for managing the site and transporting materials to the recycling center in Livingston.

“Before we can open the Onalaska site, we will need more volunteers and we will need to raise funds for additional staffing and transportation of materials. It will cost us at least $500 a month to operate the site,” Operations Manager Brian McNinch said. “PCRB is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and we rely almost entirely on grants and donations to fund our recycling operation.”

The recycling center is located at 10311 Hwy. 146 in Livingston at the intersection of Hwy. 146 and FM 2665. The hours for collection are Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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The enter can accept #1-#7 plastics, flattened corrugated cardboard and aluminum and steel “tin” cans.

“We ask that all materials be relatively clean which will make them more valuable to our buyers, helping us to support the program for years to come. We also ask that materials be presorted as much as possible,” McNinch said.

“We are now accepting most #1-#7 plastics, but no Styrofoam. These include bottles, jugs, jars, cups and food/household containers. Look for the recycling triangles. We are also accepting plastic grocery bags and any other bags/wrap that have a recycling triangle with a 2, 4, or Store Drop-off inside,” McNinch said.

“We are no longer accepting paper or paperboard boxes. Paperboard boxes are not corrugated and include cereal and soda boxes. We can now only accept corrugated cardboard, and we ask that you please flatten all boxes,” McNinch said.

“We are looking for volunteers to assist with collection and sorting materials, and welcome those that want to learn about recycling best practices and help spread the word throughout the community,” McNinch said.

To learn more about volunteering or donating, visit PCRBTexas.org or Facebook.com/PCRBTexas. Checks may be mailed to 10311 TX-146, Livingston, TX 77351. Call 936-337-3315 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for additional information.