Phase 1 of the brand new building was completed a few weeks ago at the Coon Rapids Recycling Center. Since then, a lot of things got moved around from where people used to find them in the past. For example, the Styrofoam compactor and storage area has been moved permanently into the middle section of the new building. All this, as Phase 2 of the expansion project nears the midway point on the remodel of the original building.
"We're having a break room for my staff,” Recycling Coordinator Colleen Sinclair said. “My office will be in there and our new pay window will be centrally located in that building as well."
For now, you'll find the cashier inside a small temporary office, on-site, along with Recycling Coordinator Colleen Sinclair. The staff on duty are happy to help guide you through the rearranged center.
Paper shredding has been moved, temporarily, into the new building, along with batteries, light bulbs and wires. On the side of the original building, a shred room is being constructed - where people can eventually take care of their business needs.
"That will be enclosed, so it’s got year round paper shredding that will be heated," Sinclair said.
Part of the expansion plan calls for an added drive-through lane to improve traffic flow around the compound.
"We're kind of watching behaviors right now to see where people are going before we paint those permanent lines.” Sinclair said.
With the current expansion set to be completed by early July, the Recycling Center is looking for a few more volunteers from the community.
"If somebody out there wants to help out here on a regular basis, we would love to have you as part of our team,” Sinclair said.