Southeast Ohio Recycling Terminal
Athens-Hocking Recycling Center Board of Directors (2025)
President - Andy Vogt
Vice President - Allen Frederick
Treasurer - Jim Raeder
Asst. Treasurer - Maria Galanti
Secretary - Jenna Balazs
Asst. Secretary - Andrea Jones
Member - Rick Wallar
SORT Board of Directors (2025)
Chair - Lenny Eliason, AHSWD
Vice-Chair - Gary Goosman, Amesville
Secretary/Treasurer - Crissa Cummings
Nancy Sonick - Nelsonville
Judie Henniger - Logan
Steve Patterson - Athens
Office Staff: Office hours Monday to Friday 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Justin Turley - Asst. Operations Supervisor
740-594-5312 ext. 24
Tina Ball - Commercial/Residential Accounts
740-594-5311
Crissa Cummings - Executive Director and Human Resources Manager
740-594-5314
April Sinift - Accountant
740-517-5164
Luke Welch - Office Assistant
740-594-5312
Our Story
The Athens-Hocking Recycling Center (AHRC) has long stood as a testament to grassroots environmental advocacy in Southeast Ohio. From its inception in the 1980s as a community-driven initiative, AHRC evolved into a pivotal institution promoting sustainability and job creation in the region.
Origins and Early Years (1984–1988)
In 1984, Athens pioneered Ohio's first curbside recycling program, spearheaded by local residents and the Southeast Ohio Recycling Terminal (SORT), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Collaborating with the Athens City-County Planning Office, they secured a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to launch this initiative. By 1987, the Athens Recycling Center was established as a nonprofit in partnership with the Athens City-County Health Department. The following year, House Bill 592 led to the formation of the Athens-Hocking Solid Waste District, uniting Athens and Hocking counties under a comprehensive waste management framework.
Expansion and Growth (1990s–2013)
Throughout the 1990s, AHRC transitioned from its volunteer roots into a structured organization. In 2014, it officially separated from the Athens-Hocking Solid Waste District, expanding its services to include food waste collection, electronics recycling, and partnerships with local businesses and governments. This growth not only enhanced sustainability efforts but also bolstered the local economy through job creation.
Modernization and Service Expansion (2014–2024)
The past decade marked significant advancements for AHRC. The introduction of mixed recycling services in 2014 broadened waste diversion in Athens and Hocking counties. Investments in new technologies, including the construction of a Material Recovery Facility (MRF), enhanced processing capabilities. In 2024 alone, AHRC collected 5,500 tons of recycling and 438 tons of food waste, substantially reducing landfill dependency. Employment opportunities surged, with staff numbers more than doubling since 2013, reflecting AHRC's commitment to both environmental responsibility and economic development.
Formation of the Southeast Ohio Recycling Terminal (SORT) Council of Governments
In May 2024, recognizing the need for a more sustainable and locally governed waste management system, the Athens-Hocking Solid Waste District, along with the cities of Athens, Nelsonville, Logan, and the Village of Amesville, established the Southeast Ohio Recycling Terminal (SORT) as a Council of Governments (COG). This initiative aimed to preserve local control over recycling, compost, and refuse services, ensuring the continuation of essential waste services in the region.
Transition of Operations from AHRC to SORT
On September 21, 2024, all operations, assets, and employees of AHRC were officially transferred to SORT. This transition was designed to maintain continuity in services while aligning with the new governance structure. SORT's core mission is to build sustainable communities by providing solid waste collection, materials recovery processing, and disposal services. The organization is dedicated to creating a cleaner, safer, and better living environment in Southeast Ohio.
Looking Ahead
SORT continues to uphold the legacy of AHRC, focusing on expanding recycling and composting services, particularly targeting hard-to-recycle materials through initiatives like the planned Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM) and expansion of the compost facility to include biosolids. By fostering environmental stewardship and economic growth, SORT is poised to lead Southeast Ohio toward a more sustainable future.
First Recycling Truck, circa 1984.
Copyright © Athens-Hocking Recycling Centers, Inc.