Long Beach to hold recycling drive this week to support local food distribution sites – Press Telegram

Long Beach residents can get rid of their cans, bottles and other items for recycling and help out their community during an upcoming city event.

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, in partnership with Retail Marketing Services Inc.’s community recycling program, will host a “New Year, New Use” recycling drive on from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, at El Dorado Nature Center, 7550 E. Spring St.

The funds generated from the recycling drive will be donated to Food Finders Inc. to help support food distribution sites in the city, according to a press release.

Community members are encouraged to collect eligible California Redemption Value redemption items, such as bottles, cans, boxes and pouches made of aluminum, glass, plastic and bi-metals, and drop off the items at the El Dorado Nature Center on Friday, officials said. Patrons can bring the donation items in garbage bags, cardboard boxes or reusable tote bags.

“This is a great opportunity for community members to donate those leftover CRV cans and bottles from their holiday celebrations, and in turn, help people who are facing food insecurity in our city,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “We encourage folks to start the new year off right by contributing to the recycling drive and supporting a good cause.”

Items collected during the drive will be recycled at a CalRecycle facility, and funds raised will be donated through the Retail Marketing Services Inc.’s CRV CONNX recycling program to Food Finders.

“CRV CONNX transforms recycling into a meaningful way for residents to give back,” Britany Hernandez, CRV ambassador, said in a statement. “In partnership with the Dorado Nature Center, we are creating a strong community effort that combines environmental stewardship with local support. Every eligible CRV donation supports Food Finders, helping provide meals to those in need while keeping Long Beach clean and green.”

During the drive, community members can also learn about proper recycling habits, officials said, in an effort to enhance compliance. El Dorado Nature Center staff will also offer educational activities for participants.

The recycling drive will take place in the parking lot near the Opossum Patch picnic site. Parking fees will be waived for participants of the recycling drive.

The “New Year, New Use” recycling drive supports the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department’s environmental sustainability goals outlined in its Parks Make Long Beach Strategic Plan and is funded by a CalRecycle workforce development grant received by Retail Marketing Services Inc, according to a press release.