The state-certified recycling center at Cal State Long Beach may be getting a facelift in the near future.
The center, located west of the Walter Pyramid in Lot 14, has been operating since 1970, but lacks infrastructure.
“We have no running water or sewer,” said Lee Johnson, recycling coordinator. “It’s probably due to the remoteness of the location.”
On top of no running water, the facility uses a 24-by-9-foot trailer for its offices and break room, shared by 14 people.
The buy-back booth also lacks an established foundation, with a blue tarp covering a wooden frame.
“We want something more permanent,” Johnson said.
The latest upgrade to the facility was the inclusion of a larger portable restroom. About a year and a half ago, the center was able to acquire a handicap-sized porta-potty, which was seen as a luxury to workers.
Johnson met with Physical Planning and Facilities Management on campus to discuss possible costs to renovate the center. He expects to have an estimated cost next week. Then, based upon the estimate, Johnson will make a report to Associated Students Inc. about possible facilities.
The nearest university water source is at the Isabel Patterson Child Development Center, and connecting pipes between the two centers would be expensive, so management is considering linking with the city water supply, which runs along Atherton Street.
“It’s been like this for years, but it’s not a work environment for everyone,” Johnson said. “But I’ve got a great crew of students out here.”
Funding for the center has been in jeopardy for the past few years, particularly when the economy plummeted.
Since the recycling center is state-certified, it receives money from a fund of unredeemed deposits of materials that qualify for California Redemption Value.
However, $9 million was borrowed from the fund in 2008, leaving less money for the up- of the recycling facility.
“We also sell our recycled materials in the commodities market,” Johnson said. “That’s where we make some of our revenue as well.”
Because of the failing economy, the commodities market was no longer providing a profit for the recycling center.
The Daily 49er reported that cardboard sold for nearly $105 per ton two years ago, but is now worth $5 per ton. In addition, the value of aluminum decreased from $1 per pound to 38 cents per pound in late 2008.
Johnson said the market has stabilized since then and the recycling center is staying afloat with the revenue.
While the physical condition of the center is questionable, its operations are not.
According to Johnson, the center recycles 150,000 pounds of materials monthly. 1,080 pounds of cardboard are recycled every two days, saving eight trees.
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