5/13/2025

Pettisville Community,

I understand from the outset that this post isn’t going to be a popular one.  Frankly, it’s one I don’t want to have to write, but is necessary based on what I will outline below.  Effective immediately, the Pettisville Recycling Center is going to be closed indefinitely as we evaluate the future of the center and its associated programming.  While the majority of the Pettisville community–and surrounding communities–use the center responsibly, that is not the case for all.  On numerous occasions, we have made posts about the amount of waste and garbage that is dumped at the site.  Signage at the site also indicates what can be recycled and what cannot. Additionally, the site is surveilled by cameras.  None of these things have deterred people from trying to dispose of garbage at the center.  Over the course of the last year, over one ton (2,000 pounds) of non-recyclable materials have been dumped, thrown, and/or left at the recycling center.  Last collection alone, over two hundred pounds of garbage were dumped at the site.  Items like floor mats, basketball hoops, box fans, fishing poles, brake rotors, etc. have found their way into the recycling center.  Drug paraphernalia was discovered at the recycling center on one occasion, and recently, one of our students was bit by a live animal that was dropped off at the site.  Our processor has been repeatedly frustrated with the amount of waste mixed in with the recyclable material, and it is time to take a step back to reevaluate the center’s effectiveness and long-term sustainability.  The center is operated by students, and student safety and their overall well-being is my primary concern.  As of today, the site is closed for drop-offs, and it is being surveilled with scrutiny by Deputy Steve Schlosser, Pettisville Schools Student Resource Officer, and Fulton County Sheriff’s Deputy.  Internal discussions will be had about the future of the center.

Sincerely,

Josh Clark

Superintendent

Pettisville Schools