Roof work means temporary move for Tacoma Recycling Center

The Tacoma Recycling Center has moved its operations temporarily outdoors while the building’s roof is removed and replaced.

The center’s bins, barrels and other collecting systems were moved in February to a smaller area at the Tacoma Recovery and Transfer Center, 3510 S. Mullen St.

They will stay there until mid-July.

“People have to realize we’re only one quarter of what we were,” said Mark Tveit, hazardous household wastes and recycling center supervisor. “We’re now extremely limited traffic-wise and space-wise.

“Have patience. It’s just temporary and we’ll be back soon.”

With its roof being removed for replacement, the center lost nearly all of its storage space and ability to keep many items dry.

The move means the center won’t accept motor oil, electronics, Styrofoam or scrap metal that weighs more than 31 pounds.

Alternative locations for such items are listed online at bit.ly/1Tsx29R.

The center usually sees at least 70 people on sunny weekdays and double that on weekends. With the temporary arrangement, space is limited, Tveit said.

People can help ease the strain in several ways, he said.

“If people can use their cans (at home) a bit more, that would really help us,” he said. “Also, coming on a weekday is better than a weekend.”

Curbside pickups at residences will not be affected by the situation at the center, Tveit said

The center still is accepting many items — even Christmas lights — along with books for charity and donations for Goodwill.

Tveit said he appreciates everyone’s patience during the changes.

“I’m so thankful for both of our crews,” he said. “And, for the most part, our customers have been fabulous and understanding.”

This story was originally published March 8, 2016 at 4:31 PM with the headline "Roof work means temporary move for Tacoma Recycling Center."