(4/19) The Town Commissioners voted to remove the recycling roll-off and Oil Recycling Facility on Moser Road as of April 25. They accepted public comment on the matter at the same meeting on April 11.

The discussion was brought up because of the trash and spills found at the oil and recycling center. “People haven’t, unfortunately, treated it so that it’s non-problematic, non-impactful to staff as well as some compliance issues that would concern me with some of the spills down there,” Town Manager Jim Humerick said.

Humerick also brought up that the Town does not get any benefits from the recycling center, but is spending money on the additional labor to clean up around the containers. The Town has a company to haul away the oil but the company does not clean up spills, discarded oil filters, etc. “The more I see the mess down there—that’s what made my mind up on it,” Mayor John Kinnaird said.

Residents can still recycle their motor oil at alternate locations in Thurmont Town Staff found two automotive centers use recycled motor oil: Tracey’s Auto and Advance Auto. Residents can dispose of brake fluid, antifreeze and other fluids through the Frederick County Dump.

Resident Jim Wilkins said, “To close it is the only alternative we have if people can’t respect it and it gets into the environment.” Wilkins went on to address his concerns about the spilled oil getting into the environment and its potential impact to the health and safety of residents.

After April 25, the parking lot will have a chain and gate to deter trespassers in addition to a sign notifying residents that recycling and oil waste is no longer accepted.