Massive Fire Rips Through Tioga County Recycling Facility

Dozens of firefighters from two counties battled a spectacular blaze that destroyed a large recycling plant in the town of Owego.

The fire at the Taylor Garbage Service facility at 5730 Route 434 in Apalachin was reported around 5 p.m. Friday.

Initial reports indicated the blaze may have started on the west side of the 30,000-square-foot building.

One witness who was working nearby said what seemed to be a relatively small fire appeared to suddenly erupt into an inferno when a door to the complex was opened.

A wall on the south side of the structure reportedly collapsed.

There were no immediate reports of injuries related to the fire.

Apalachin firefighters were assisted by several other departments from Tioga and Broome counties.

Tankers left the scene repeatedly to get refilled to bring more water to fight the blaze.

The recycling facility sorted various materials, including glass, paper, metal and cardboard. The plant opened in 2012.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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