Students Use Trash to Generate Cash

Grimy TV dinner trays. Sticky soda cans. Musty newspaper stacks and metal scraps. The products dumped at an Eastside recycling facility are looking really good for children at a local organization that is using the trash as cash in a new fund-raising program.

Lt. Gov. Gray Davis joined about 60 community members to launch the “Recycling Hope” project at the Active Recycling Co. on Wednesday. “The project not only helps clean up the area, but also helps a youth organization that is doing good things for their community,” Davis said, as he stood beside a heap of crushed cans.

Active Recycling President Errol Segal said he developed the project to benefit Variety Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Boyle Heights.

Cash for the recycled materials that is donated in the organization’s name will fund the youth club’s recreational, educational and athletic programs.

“I told my family and friends to recycle. It helps our projects,” said 11-year-old Ruth Diaz, who visits the club after school to use the computers and play basketball.

“The money will help offset the costs of zoo trips, gym uniforms, new computer programs and lunches,” said Baltazar Perez, executive director of the club.

Recyclable products will be accepted at the facility at 5601 E. Valley Blvd., at the end of the 710 Freeway. The center is open daily from 7 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.