MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (August 25, 2025) – The Berkeley County Commission, in collaboration with the Berkeley County Solid Waste Authority, is pleased to announce the official launch of “Recycling Berkeley,” a short-form documentary about the origins of what is now West Virginia’s largest recycling program.
Narrated by Clint Hogbin, a leading advocate for resource recovery and recycling programs in Berkeley County, the film revisits the beginnings of the County’s program, growth and future challenges.
In the documentary, Hogbin, who has served on the Berkeley County Solid Waste Authority board of directors since 1992, shares first-hand accounts about the start of recycling programs in Berkeley County, which have grown over the years due in part to various supportive partnerships, including Lyle C. Tabb and Sons, Inc., Apple Valley Waste and the Berkeley County Commission.
“There were no recycling centers here in Berkeley County (in 1992), if I wanted to recycle I had to take my recyclables to Maryland or Virginia,” Hogbin recalls in the film.
The Solid Waste Authority initiated a drop-off recycling program in May 1995, and now operates at three locations, 637 Pilgrim Street, Inwood; 111 Landfill Drive, Martinsburg; and 3790 Hedgesville Road, in Hedgesville.
The recycling program has helped divert more than 185 million pounds of waste from landfills over the last 30 years.
Berkeley County Commission President Eddie Gochenour attributes the success of Berkeley County’s recycling program to Hogbin’s unwavering commitment to resource recovery initiatives.
“Clint has been a warrior for recycling for more than 30 years,” Gochenour said. “The program’s success truly is a reflection of his determination to make Berkeley County shine.”
For the many successful solid waste programs implemented by the Solid Waste Authority, Berkeley County and members of the Authority board have been recognized by a number of agencies and organizations including the West Viriginia Department of Environmental Protection, Recycling Coalition of West Virginia, Eastern Panhandle Conservation District and West Virginia Solid Waste Management Board.
“The County certainly owes a tremendous debt of gratitude for all that he has done to extend the life of our regional landfill for the benefit of residents across the Eastern Panhandle.”
Watch Film: https://youtu.be/GGv3PUpVIns
BACKGROUND: Authorized by Chapter 22C of the West Virginia Code, the Berkeley County Solid Waste Authority is charged with developing programs that address litter and solid waste control, including source reduction efforts, recycling, reuse and materials recovery. The Berkeley County Solid Waste Authority was established on January 1, 1989 by the Berkeley County Commission. More information about the Solid Waste Authority’s services, hours of operation and special programs is available online at: www.berkeleycountyrecycling.com
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