The West Penn Township recycling program is booming.

But as the program grows, there will be a learning curve for both residents and the township, who will have to adjust to new trends.

“I understand that it’s (the recycling bin) full again and it has to be emptied,” said Tony Prudenti, board chairman.

The turnaround time to empty the bin will vary on each occasion.

“The problem was, last time the township said it was really full, the people that were doing it said we’re doing this out of the goodness of our heart, and you tell us it’s full, and it’s not really that full.”

Recyclables are taking up more space in the bin than they could or should be.

“If the people would just simply take the cap off the plastic bottles, step on it, and crunch it, you get almost twice as much plastic in the bin,” said Supervisor Tim Houser.

Prudenti said signs are displayed on site when the recycling bin is full.

After a bidding issue with a fencing contractor last month, the board decided to approve the construction of concrete blocks and a gate for the recycling site, with the project total to not exceed $5,000.

Car mirror hangs for recycling should be available in the office next week for purchase at a $5 cost. The mirror hangs are not mandatory for residents, but are beneficial if they do not want to show identification each time upon site arrival.

The next township meeting is set for Aug. 2 at 6:30 p.m.