By Brett Hawkins
Writer Intern
Cost-free recycling services for commercial and multi-unit residential buildings in and around Long Beach are currently being offered by the Conservation Corps of Long Beach (CCLB). Originally established in 1987, the CCLB is one of 12 certified conservation corps in California that helps provide programs and services to many at-risk youth through work, education and conservation initiatives. Since its establishment, more than 200 at-risk youth have been hired to help the cause.
Routine recycling— of cans, glassware, plastic items, cardboard and paper— is just the start of the organization’s recycling program aimed at the proper sorting and recycling of waste. Through these fundamentals, the CCLB is offering employment and experience to at-risk youth while providing cost-efficient solutions for communities and businesses to heavily reduce their landfill waste contributions. In 2007, the CCLB’s recycling services helped reduce landfill waste by 1.2 million pounds.
Those willing to help can make their contribution to the program by making donations to any particular program or the general fund of the CCLB. Sponsorships for the annual Dine on Pine event are also readily accepted in hopes of utilizing the profits from the event for scholarships and to benefit the CCLB’s education program. For more information on how to help benefit this program, contact Tara Cannon at (562) 986-1249.
