On February 19, the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority announced Joanne Shafter, Deputy Executive Director and County Recycling Coordinator will retire on February 29.

Joanne was originally hired as a part of the recycling staff then became Recycling Coordinator in December 1990, in 2000 she was named Deputy Executive Director/Recycling Coordinator.

Over her 33-year career at the Authority, Joanne managed the countywide recycling program, including curbside collection from 27,000 households, a system of over 125 drop-off sites; commercial recycling from 850 establishments and a source separated Materials Recovery Facility with a yearly capacity of 15,000 tons. 

According to Authority Chairman Dennis Hameister, “Joanne’s been the face of recycling in Centre County for over three decades.  She will certainly be missed and we wish her well in retirement.”

Authority Executive Director Ted Onufrak added “Since she’s retiring in Lemont, at least we’ll be able to “tag her bin” if we need her expertise in future Authority endeavors.”

She was responsible for recycling public education, grant writing and the marketing of recyclable commodities from the Authority’s Materials Recovery Facilities.

She also assisted with the conversion of the recycling collection vehicles to renewable natural gas. 

Joanne has served on many boards and associations to improve recycling programs across the Commonwealth. 

During Joanne’s tenure, the Authority was awarded the 2009 Best Local Government Program by the National Recycling Coalition.

Just a few of her most notable positions include founding member and past President of the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania, past Chair of the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center, past Council Chair of the National Recycling Coalition,  Advisory Member for the Northeast Recycling Council and a member of countless organizations including the Solid Waste Association of North America, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, PA Cleanways, DEP’s Solid Waste Advisory Committee, PA Association of Environmental Educators, Clearwater Conservancy, PA Municipal Authorities Association, PA Resources Council and the United States Composting Council. 

Joanne is one of Pennsylvania’s first twelve Senior Certified Recycling Professionals.

As the longest serving Recycling Coordinator in Pennsylvania, Joanne has served the Authority with dignity and integrity. 

She was an integral force for recycling in Pennsylvania and her legacy will live on for many years to come. 

Visit the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority website for more information on was to reduce, reuse and recycle your waste.

Related Article:

-- Keep PA Beautiful: Sheila Shea, Fayette County Recycling Coordinator Recognized With Community Pride Award  [PaEN]

[Posted: February 19, 2024]

2/26/2024