COMMERCE CITY, COLO. - Commerce City announced today that its drop-off recycling facility, located at 7450 State Highway 2, will close to the public on Friday, Nov. 4, 2011.Opened in 1999 to provide recycling options for Commerce City residents, the city's inclusion of curbside recycling into the waste management program reduced the need for a dedicated facility in 2009. Today, the city's facility serves the recycling needs of not-for-profit groups, local businesses, and unincorporated Adams County residents. Unfortunately, the facility has also become a haven for illegal dumping, as it operates on the honor system and is not staffed.
"Over an 11-week period, the city's public works department removed more than 40 tons of trash and debris unrelated to recycling," said Brian McBroom, deputy city manager for external services. "From hypodermic needles, carpets, furniture and even scrap metal, it's clear the facility is no longer meeting its original intent. We feel existing free recycling locations will meet current needs as well as allow public works staff to dedicate resources more effectively."
The closure is in response to many public complaints about illegal dumping and ongoing management challenges with the facility. Earlier this year, several city council members requested city staff investigate these claims and potential movement of the facility to improve monitoring. Based on staff analysis, the facility is no longer serving its original purpose and it would be cost-prohibitive to move or update the facility to provide monitoring or staffing.
Two alternative sites managed by Waste Management, the city's refuse and recycling contractor, are open to residents, businesses and not-for-profit organizations. These sites are within five miles of the city's existing facility and provide a free drop-off recycling point in a secure and safe environment.
· Waste Management Recycle America (4.36 miles away from existing facility)
3730 E. 48th Avenue, Denver, CO 80216
Hours of Operation: 24 hours-a-day, seven-day-a-week, 365 days-a-year.
Facility also does electronics recycling.
· Waste Management Recycle America (5.84 miles away from existing facility)
5395 Franklin Street, Denver, CO 80216
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. - noon; closed Sunday.
Signage will be placed on site this week notifying users of the facility's closure and providing information on alternate free drop-off facilities.
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