MIDDLESBORO — The forthcoming recycling center is reaching new progress, Supervisor Kevin Smith told members of the 109 Board at their regular meeting on Wednesday.

Smith reported to the board that he has visited recycling centers in Barbourville and Pulaski County, where he learned a great deal about the operation and problems that may be encountered at such centers.

“The center in Pulaski County was started three years ago, and its amazing to see how it has grown in that time,” said Smith.

The center has received more grant money in the amount of $79,852, which will go toward the purchase of a second vertical baler and four more recycling trailers — giving the facility a total of six.

The center will have the capacity to process several materials including magazines, aluminum, cardboard and plastic.

The materials may be dropped off at the recycling facility during business hours, but customers may have other options available as well.

Plans to install recycling bins around Middlesboro and outside the recycling facility are in the works, so that drop-offs can be made after business hours.

Since a large part of the operation will be the sorting of the materials, more manpower will be necessary as the center nears its opening. The Bell-Whitley Community Service Agency, who operates a job placement service, may be able to provide sorters for the center.

Smith told the board that he has already spoken to some local businesses and the state highway department about providing recycling services. The National Park has indicated that it will begin a recycling program as well.

The center will likely begin processing some materials prior to the grand opening, in order to work out any concerns before opening it up to the public.

“I’d like to have a soft opening...,” Smith explained, “just to kind of get my feet wet as far as working the baler and making the bales before we have the actual grand opening, because I perceive, when that happens there will be a pretty big influx of stuff.”

While there has been no decision made on an official date for the opening of the facility, the board is optimistic that it will take place before the end of the year.

In other official business, the board approved the following motions: the minutes of the regular meeting June 9th, the financial report for the month of June, and the enforcement report for June.

Lorie Settles is a staff writer for the Daily News. She may be contacted at lsettles19@yahoo.com.