Long Beach residents have a chance to transform their holiday empties into meals for the hungry with the New Year, New Use Recycling Drive at El Dorado Nature Center. Announced by the City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, the recycling event, in collaboration with Retail Marketing Services, Inc. (RMS), aims to support Food Finders Inc. and local food distribution sites. The recycling drive is scheduled for Jan. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a perfect post-holiday opportunity to help those in need while also being environmentally conscious, according to a statement obtained by the City of Long Beach.
In the spirit of the season and beyond, Mayor Rex Richardson highlighted the event's dual benefit stating, "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." He encourages locals to "start the new year off right by contributing to the recycling drive and supporting a good cause." Participants are encouraged to bring their California Redemption Value (CRV) items, including aluminum, glass, plastic, and bi-metal containers, to be properly recycled and to simultaneously aid community food programs.
All donated items will be processed at a CalRecycle facility, with proceeds going through the CRV CONNX program to Food Finders Inc., a local organization dedicated to feeding the hungry. The event not only aims to effectively convert waste into monetary support for food banks but also serves to educate the community. During the recycling drive, CRV CONNX Recycling Ambassadors will be present to teach proper recycling habits and the El Dorado Nature Center team will offer educational activities. As an added incentive, parking fees are waived for participants.
The New Year, New Use Recycling drive directly supports Park, Recreation and Marine's sustainable goals as outlined in its Parks Make Long Beach Strategic Plan, funded by a workforce development grant from CalRecycle provided to RMS, Inc. Britany Hernandez, a CRV Ambassador, emphasized the community's role in stating, "CRV CONNX transforms recycling into a meaningful way for residents to give back," and that the partnership with El Dorado Nature Center is set to "create a strong community effort" that marries environmental stewardship with local support.
For more details about the recycling event, the El Dorado Nature Center, and other city services, Long Beach residents can visit the official city website. The Nature center, a 105-acre oasis in the city, offers a respite and educational opportunities with walking trails, interactive exhibits, and special events throughout the year. RMS, Inc., a long-standing player in the recycling and retail service sector, continues to encourage community involvement through such initiatives. Interested locals can learn more and stay informed by following Long Beach Parks on their social media channels.
