Recycling Center Stirs Controversy In Changing Neighborhood

"Many neighbors don't "deny that the Haight Ashbury Neighborhood Council, which has run the site since 1974, has done good work.

"'It's a great organization whose time has passed,' said Inner Sunset resident Jim Rinehart."

"This isn't really about recycling; it is more about the homeless and street people who roam the neighborhoods, raiding the residents' blue recycling bins. Residents say that vagrants swipe their cans and bottles, turn them in at the recycling center, and finance their drug and alcohol addictions."

"'Is the center still relevant?' asked Jared Blumenfeld, director of the San Francisco Department of Environment. 'The answer is yes. They provide a useful function. And I would say that over 75 percent of the patrons are average joes.'"

"The neighborhood groups do have some valid points. They point out that, even if it has been on park land for over 30 years, it is 'nonconforming use,' meaning that it is put to neither park nor recreational purposes. They add that, technically, the center is receiving stolen goods, because there is a law against raiding recycling bins."