After a frustrating two-year absence, Portola is ready to crush its recycling challenges with the opening of Grizzly Creek Recycling. The center, set to operate at 225 Taylor Avenue, is expected to open later this year. It still needs approval from the Hearing Officer Chris Baker, of Manhard Engineering, in a hearing scheduled for Monday, Aug. 12 at 2 p.m.
Grizzly Creek Recycling plans to operate Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and will accept beverage containers eligible for California Redemption Value. That includes aluminum cans, glass bottles, and plastic bottles, as well as cardboard.
The new facility, owned by Desmond L. Waelder, will breathe fresh life into the infrastructure left by the previous center, Daws Recycling, which closed its doors two years ago. The closure of Daws Recycling left Portola without a dedicated recycling center, forcing residents to travel to the Delleker Transfer Station, which does not offer CRV redemption.
The return of a local facility is a significant development for the community, promising both convenience and environmental benefits. There is also a recycling in Chester, said Michelle Ridley, “but that’s a bit farther than I’m willing to go to be eco-friendly!”
A recycling center this close to town will encourage more people to recycle, added Ashley Wells.
Drop-off recycling without CRV buy-back is available at the following Plumas County locations:
- Chester Transfer Station, 3 Chester Dump Road.
- Delleker Transfer Station, 73980 Industrial Way.
- East Quincy Recycling Center, 39 Abernathy Road.
- Graeagle Transfer Station, 920 Blairsden-Graeagle Road.
Buy-back recycling for CRV materials is available at:
- Quincy Recycler, 435 N Mill Creek Road across from Trilogy Lane.
- Greenville Transfer Station, Dump Road, Greenville.
Aug. 12 public hearing
A public hearing is scheduled for Aug. 12, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Portola City Hall on 35 Third Ave.. The city council will review a conditional use permit for Grizzly Creek Recycling. The hearing will determine if the facility meets all necessary conditions, including compliance with environmental standards and local regulations.
The project has been deemed exempt from an environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act because it will utilize an existing structure without any new physical changes. This exemption assures that the facility will not negatively impact the environment, a common concern with industrial operations.
Conditions for the facility’s approval include adherence to CalRecycle requirements, which limit operations to beverage container and cardboard recycling, and ensure sufficient off-street parking. Additionally, the facility will need to provide quarterly reports to the city on the materials processed.
Residents are encouraged to attend the hearing in person or submit their opinions via email 24 hours in advance to [email protected]. While Zoom will be available for listening, public comments will only be accepted in person or by email no later than 2 pm on Aug. 11.
The reopening of a recycling center in Portola is a hopeful sign for the community’s sustainability efforts, offering a convenient way for residents to reduce waste and redeem their recyclables. Nicole Ourjanian reminded people that the process of opening a recycling center will take time. “Just have to be patient while they work things out,” she said.
