Trash becomes treasure at south county facility

By JENNIFER HUFFMAN
Register Business Writer

At the NRWS Reuse and Recycle Center, locals who like to make a buck or two can also find a bargain, including everything and seven kitchen sinks.

Found out on Devlin Road, next to the transfer station, the NRWS Reuse and Recycle Center has always accepted recyclables such as paper, e-waste, and used motor oil.

It’s also a popular stop for locals who want to drop off or buy goods that are in decent condition.

Recently, the center started offering a new service  — “buyback” of certain recyclables — those with California Refund Value (CRV).

Those with a load of CRV bottles or cans, as well as scrap metals like copper, aluminum and brass can now drop off their goods at the center for cash or check.

“We’re trying to create more of a one-stop shop,” said center manager Chris Aschero. Besides shopping at the reuse yard, “People are pleasantly surprised,” that the center pays $1.75 a pound for aluminum cans — the best price in town, she said.

The reuse yard is where the seven kitchen sinks, approximately 150 doors and windows, two Barbecues, three bowling balls, and a whole bunch of other goods were available for bargain prices on a recent visit.

Besides the typical doors, windows, headboards, tubs, lumber, craft items, chairs and pots, visitors can find free leftover household paint, or buy recycled paint in white or off white for $15 for five gallons. Two faux oil paintings leftover from the 1970s were bargain priced at $2 each. One minute a dog “igloo” house was for sale, the next minute, a man loaded it up in his truck to take home.

“One person’s junk is another person’s treasure,” said Aschero, who recently started managing the center. Inventory turnover is pretty fast, she said. “If it doesn’t sell in a week, we recycle it.” Items are priced to move, most between $1 and $2, or $5 for a desk. “One guy buys all our shower doors,” said Aschero. “He’s making a greenhouse out of them.” Headboards are popular, as well as light fixtures, she said.

“You name it, people buy it.”

The reuse center doesn’t accept refrigerators, or anything with cushions like a sofa or mattress. But customers can pull up for a review of goods to be donated. Those that don’t make the grade can be left at the dump next door.

“A lot of people tell me this is a hidden gem out here,” said Aschero. Recyclers and can collectors aren’t the only ones to benefit from the buyback program. Non-profit or local civic groups could use the buyback center to fundraise, suggested Aschero.

The Reuse and Recycle center is offering a special on aluminum cans until July 7. With a coupon, all CRV cans are worth $2 a pound. Those that drop off 20 lbs of any CRV item get a free 12-pack of soda, with coupon.

The Northern Recycling Operations and Waste Services Reuse and Recycle Center accepts:

#1 to #7 plastics

Aluminum cans

Glass

Cardboard

Mixed paper

Metals

E-waste such as TVs, Computer parts, Appliances (no refrigerators).

Ferrous metals such as steel.

*California Refund Value (CRV) containers such as aluminum cans, glass and plastic.

*Non-ferrous metals such as copper, aluminum, brass, radiators, stainless steel, lead, and electric motors.

*Eligible for buyback.

Location

889B Devlin Road 

American Canyon

258-9018

Open Daily 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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