City To Hold Bi-Annual Recycling Drive-Thru Event This Weekend

Ariel Fernandez

The City of Coral Gables will be holding its bi-annual drive-thru recycling event this Saturday, October 22nd from 9:00AM to 12:00PM behind Coral Gables City Hall.

The event, which was the idea of longtime Coral Gables resident Marlin Ebbert, has become a huge success.

“What started as an experiment in January 2016 with two people and one truck has over the years collected 370,000 pounds of household hazardous waste, unwanted electronics, shredded paper and clothing and has kept these materials out of our landfills and trash pits!,” said Ebbert.

“I feel that many entities and individuals deserve credit for this very popular bi-annual City-wide event! The City’s Sustainability Board and Matt Anderson as the City’s Resiliency and Sustainability Manager work all year to make these “recycling” days happen. Many staff from Public Works attend and help to keep the morning orderly. Ana Lam from Crime Watch and the City’s Police Department sponsor the paper shredding truck. Resident Pat Blanco came forth last year with the brilliant idea to recycle gently-worn clothing to donate to Camillus House. And the staff of the First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables – the Rev. Hedy Collver and Corina Dekker who continue to graciously allow us to use the church’s parking lot because we have outgrown the City Hall space. And last, but certainly not least, is Officer Kelly Dunham who is the morning’s drill sergeant and keeps us all in line!,” she added.

The City’s official announcement reads as follows:

“Keep Coral Gables Beautiful will host a Recycling Drive-Thru Event on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the parking lot behind City Hall. Residents can bring old electronics, large cardboard boxes, household hazardous waste (i.e., paint cans, pool chemicals, oils, batteries and household pesticides), documents for shredding (maximum of 5 standard-sized boxes per vehicle), or “lightly/gently used” clothing to be donated to Camillus House. Items will not be accepted before 9 a.m. or after 12 p.m. on the day of the event.

Just a few reminders:

Proof of residency in Coral Gables is required.
All participants must enter the event through the Coral Way entrance to the City Hall Parking Lot
For clothing please bring:
- Gently/lightly used clothing (no undergarments)
- Accepting men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing including: suits, ties, shoes, socks, etc.
Medical waste will not be accepted. Any expired or unwanted prescription drugs can be taken to our drop-off location on the first floor of the police station located at 2151 Salzedo St.

Materials Not Accepted: