Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in environment
Rising trash disposal costs
The Solid Waste Advisory Committee advanced a battery education program scope of work to DEP, is pushing to expand glass recycling in western communities, and addressed data-security concerns in electronics recycling.
Frog Switch brownfield redevelopment
All buildings at the Frog Switch site in Carlisle are down, 75,000 gallons of oil were removed from the equipment pits, and up to 5,000 tons of foundry sand will be removed. Developer negotiations are ongoing but not yet public.
Household Hazardous Waste Recycling
The county will seek $16,441.69 in state reimbursement for hazardous waste collection after a highly successful event (37,226 pounds from 384 people), approved fees for a second shredding event on November 19, and reported 98,402 pounds of e-waste collected so far in 2026.
Farmland Preservation Funding Reaches $5 Million
Two farms — 18.7 acres in Penn Township and about 130 acres in West Pennsboro — are being added to Agricultural Security Areas, a tool that supports farming and qualifies land for preservation programs.
$800,000 ARPA Clawback from Conservation District
The county honored the Conservation District's 73 years of protecting land and water, including $1.6 million invested in farm practices in 2025 and 824,000 trees sold since 1977.
Farm preservation and water quality
A $725,176 state grant will pay a contractor to help actually build the projects recommended in the county's Clean Water Action Plan — moving from planning to implementation.
Penn State Extension programs thriving in the county
4-H participation is steady, Master Gardener volunteers logged 6,877 hours worth $248,553, and extension educators made about 80 farm and garden site visits this year. Commissioners also heard worries about freeze damage to regional apple and peach crops.
Solar Energy Facilities on County-Owned Property
The county will reissue an RFP for a solar array net-metered to county buildings within two miles, after last year's selection process stalled. Proposals previously looked cost-positive for the county.
Yellow Breeches Creek Stream and Wetland Restoration
The county is seeking $181,480 in state Growing Greener Plus funds to restore a stream and wetland on a Yellow Breeches Creek tributary at Sheaffer Drive — good news for water quality and downstream flooding.
Big Spring Creek Stream Restoration Grant
A $260,000 state grant continues stream restoration on Big Spring Creek in partnership with the Fish and Boat Commission and Western PA Conservancy — at no cost to county taxpayers.
Recycling: Tire Collection and New Public Paper Shredding
Tire drop-offs return May 15 and September 18 at 15 cents a pound, and a brand-new public shredding event runs April 23 with the first 25 pounds free. The events also support mosquito-habitat reduction and Keep PA Beautiful requirements.