Politics & Government

Debut of Reduced Recycling Center on May 3

The City of El Cerrito says the recycling center's operations will shift to a small portion of its present site on May 3 while the new recycling center is being built.

Construction of El Cerrito's begins next week, and recycling services at the site will move to a small portion of the property starting Tuesday, the city announced yesterday, April 26.

The at 7501 Schmidt Lane will be closed on Monday, May 2, and no services will be available that day as construction begins.

A smaller, interim recycling center will open May 3 for drop-off of recycling materials on the west side of the current center property, where the Goodwill trailer now sits, city officials said.

Find out what's happening in El Cerritowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"During construction, because of space constraints, some functions may not be available at all times, and parking will be limited," the city said in a news release. "In order to help keep drop-off operations safe and accessible, users of the Recycling Center are encouraged to put all recyclable items accepted via the curbside collection program in their household recycling bins until the new Center opens."

Limited closures may occur during construction, the city said. The city plans to post notices of any such closures at www.el-cerrito.org at least 24 hours ahead of time.

Find out what's happening in El Cerritowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A public ground-breaking ceremony for the new center has been scheduled for Monday, May 9, at 8 a.m. at the recycling center. Because of limited parking, those who attend are "strongly encouraged" to carpool or take other transportation, the city announcement said. After a brief ceremony, city officials will be available to answer questions.

The new recycling center is expected to open in early 2012, the city said. It will include expanded "collection and exchange of reusable items, improved cir­culation, pedestrian access and safety features, and expanded collection for hard-to-recycle materials," according to city officials. "The new recyclables being considered for col­lection at the new Center include used building materials, electronics, textiles, pallets, print car­tridges, and much more."

The new center will be "a LEED platinum, zero-net energy facility incorporating recycled building materials, rain-water catchment, and solar-powered public electric vehicle charging stations," according to the city announcement. More information is available at www.ecenvironment.org or 215-4350.


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