Features

A team of recycling advocates in Berkeley is sifting through residents’ trash, hoping to find only garbage that is free of recyclable materials so they can hand over a hefty cash prize. 

But according to the folks at the city’ s Ecology Center, seldom has such pure trash been discovered so far. The Bogas family of North Berkeley recently won $500 by recycling everything that the Ecology Center picks up. 

Others whose trash has been tested have done well – but not as well – at managing to recycling nearly all types of paper and cardboard, as well as bottles and cans that are eligible for the curbside recycling program. They won $50 apiece. 

Since not all the money allocated has been spent in the program Ecology Center operates with the City of Berkeley’s Senior Recycling Supervisor, the reward for the most energetic recyclers keeps growing.  

It now stands at $1,600. Berkeley’ s cash-for-trash program is in effect until mid-July.