The borough's plastics recycling program, one of the few in the state, has proved to be labor-intensive since it began in April. Wilpizeski said the job was ideal for people who wanted to work off their debts to society.
"Plastics recycling uses so much manpower it's almost unfeasible for the Public Works Department. We have a responsibility to the rest of the borough," Wilpizeski said.
It takes two workers 15 minutes to crush 350 bottles into one 50-pound bale of plastic.
Wilpizeski said he might use the free labor to collect recyclables and mow grass and pick up litter in parks.
"We have a lot of work lined up for when the offenders start coming down. We need all the warm bodies we can get," Wilpizeski said.
District Justice R. Dawson Muth said the community service was open to anybody who asked for it instead of having to pay a fine. He said most offenders would rather pay fines than work.
"A lot of people say they can't afford the fine, but they miraculously come up with the money instead of working it off. At least we can offer alternatives now," Muth said.
Most summary offenders face $150 to $200 fines or 50 to 100 hours of work.
"I think it is an attractive option for college students and other people who don't have the money to pay a $200 fine. It's close, and it isn't really hard work," Muth said.
In other business, the Borough Council on Wednesday discussed using a county Community Development Block Grant for recreation projects instead of a parking project.
Recreation director Kathy Milliken presented possible projects, including the paving of the parking lot and new lighting at Green Field, and playground equipment, picnic tables and park benches for the area behind the new Borough Hall.
The council also discussed paying half the salary of a full-time maintenance worker for Everhardt Park. The Friends of Everhardt offered to pay half the salary, $2,250.
