By SLVRR Director, Matt Harris

The SLV Redemption/Recycling Centers have many things to be very thankful for this year, even though we were challenged by the rapid ongoing reduction in the scrap value of materials that are crucial to help meet operating expenses. We are especially grateful for the Grant received from CalRecycle that will enable us to install a new baler.

Since the baler had to be purchased first, and then reimbursed through the grant, we needed help financing the purchase. So we want to thank our local Liberty Bank in Boulder Creek, for providing a bridge loan tailored specifically for our non-profit needs. A special thanks goes to Liberty Bank’s Vice President Relationship Manager, Noel Gay, for his helpfulness with providing a spring board for the Redemption Recycling Center to obtain the loan.

Now we will be able to purchase a baler designed to crush card board, bottles and cans in the appropriate size and weight for ease of shipping and improved value. The new baler will replace our current baler that is only half the size!

We also want to thank all our customers that bring in their items to recycle; you are the key to making recycling work in our community. The land fill thanks you as well, for helping it to last years longer with so many materials no longer going into the ground.