See Recycling In Action

At one time, it might have been called a garbage dump, but one of El Cerrito's biggest projects is anything but a "dump."

Construction for the City’s new Recycling and Environmental Resources Center began in May 2011. The Center re-opened on Earth Day, April 22, 2012 on the same site as the former Recycling Center at 7501 Schmidt Lane. The total project cost was $3.5 million and was funded by the City’s Integrated Waste Management Fund.

According to the City, sustainable elements of the project that contributed to the Center achieving LEED Platinum -- the highest possible level of LEED certification -- include 10kW of solar photovoltaic panels, an 11,000 gallon rainwater cistern, native landscaping, rain gardens that filter stormwater runoff, extensive energy efficiency measures and a modular administrative building that was fabricated off-site.

The City of El Cerrito Recycling and Environmental Resource Center is open for tours on the first Wednesday of every month, from 3-4 p.m. See the range of recyclable and reusable materials accepted, find out how the City handles various materials, and learn about the sustainable features and services offered via this community resource! Regular monthly tours are intended for smaller groups and interested individuals - larger groups please contact the Environmental Services Division to schedule a separate tour.

On average, the City estimates 400 visitors come to the Center every day. The Center accepts over 28 recyclable materials including some hard-to-recycle items, such as block Styrofoam, and also provides an exchange zone for re-usable books, art supplies, packing materials, etc.

For more information about the tours, contact the Center at 510-215-4350.