During the fall of 2009, the Company was featured on CBS affiliate KOVR Channel 13 TV’s coverage of the City of Modesto’s recycling program changes. Click here to view the fall of ‘09 feature.

Come out and recycle on the “Be Green Recycling Day” at the Cruisers - Boyett Petroleum station (McHenry and Kiernan) the morning of Saturday, September 19th. Money raised from donated recyclables will benefit the City of Modesto’s Adopt a Park program.

Items that can be donated for this community-wide fundraising activity include scrap metal, CRV aluminum cans, glass and plastic bottles, as well as items for document shredding and e-waste. Goods can be dropped off between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on Saturday, September 19th, 2009, at 4931 McHenry Avenue in Modesto.

When metal prices dropped precipitously a year ago, recyclers such as Modesto Junk Co. took it on the chin.

In August 2008, shipment of metal overseas slowed and some buyers refused to pay for orders they’d placed. “We lost a lot of money,” said Keith Highiet, who, along with his sister, helps his father and grandfather run the 89-year Modesto Junk Co.

It’s times like that when having a name and reputation in the industry sees you through; because, clearly, this family knows junk.

Alex Highiet started the business in 1920 as the automobile was replacing the horse-and-buggy. It was taken over by his son, Harvey, whose, son, Jeff, now heads operations. Keith and his sister, Alexis Highiet Pinkerton, round out the family operation. Its long history, said Keith Highiet, ensures that “people have a sense of trust in you already.”

The 30-year-old says he never thought he’d end up back in the family business after receiving his bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of California at Irvine. But the pull of the place he played in as a kid landed him eight years ago and now he loves what he does.

“It is totally fascinating,” Highiet said. “There’s so much going on here. I’d be bored working anywhere else.”

It is fascinating. It’s a whirligig of activity, from the moving line of people waiting to hand in their recyclables, to the lines of trucks waiting to have their loads of scrap metal weighed.

The two-acre site on Ninth Street on the edge of downtown Modesto is also a bit of industrial-strength art on display. The compressed bales of gray metal, that eventually will be shipped overseas, look like sculptures, glistening in the sun with bits of color peeking out.

“This whole place as it looks is my dad’s vision,” said Highiet. He pointed to a massive “press and shear” machine that cuts and bales metal, saying his dad insisted the company buy it 10 years ago, overcoming Harvey Highiet’s reluctance.

The increase in the amount of metal the company could process because of the machine made it worthwhile. That first machine has been joined by others since, but it maintains an important role in the company’s history.

Read More.

Excerpted from The Gallo Center’s web site:

The Gallo Center is an outstanding community asset…and the programs at the Gallo Center reflect the interests, diversity and history of the people that call the Central Valley their home. The Center is the focus of arts, entertainment, multicultural programming, and educational activities for the Central Valley.

Items that can be donated for this community-wide fundraising activity include the usual scrap metal, wire, CRV aluminum cans, glass and plastic items, as well as computers, monitors, cell phones and other e-waste. You can even bring out paper for document shredding! Goods can be dropped off between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on Saturday, July 11, 2009, at 4931 McHenry Avenue in Modesto.

Are you looking to raise funds for your school?

A Green-at-School recycling fundraiser may be just the solution!

Modesto Junk Company, Inc. Recycling Center can help raise money for your school, student body council, or other schoolwide on-campus group. For years, we have helped raise thousands of dollars for local schools. We provide a free container for the collection of recycables (CRV aluminum cans, CRV glass bottles and CRV plastic bottles) and free pick-up service for items collected. Plus, we ensure highest prices paid!

School recycling programs are essential to creating community norms for recycling. A team of motivated teachers, staff and/or students are key to the success of a Green-at-School recycling fundraiser. Motivating those around you will help the program run smoothly.

Everyone benefits in helping to green the environment by recycling otherwise throw-away items from home and school, raising money for their school, and working in a team building way.

Please contact us Keith Highiet at (209) 522-1435, or by email at keith@modestojunk.com, to find out how Modesto Junk Company, Inc. Recycling Center can help you and your school achieve success through a Green-at-School recycling fundraiser. ]]> http://www.modestojunk.com/announcements/go-green-at-school-with-modesto-junk-co-recycling-center/feed http://www.modestojunk.com/announcements/go-green-at-school-with-modesto-junk-co-recycling-center http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ModestoJunk/~3/ZAeW8H9mMzs/modesto-junk-co-sponsors-recycle-cycle-at-2009-stanislaus-county-fair http://www.modestojunk.com/announcements/modesto-junk-co-sponsors-recycle-cycle-at-2009-stanislaus-county-fair#comments Mon, 01 Jun 2009 21:30:18 +0000 Keith http://www.modestojunk.com/?p=1320 Modesto Junk Company, Inc. Recycling Center announces its sponsorship of Recycle Cycle at the 2009 Stanislaus County Fair. The theme for this year’s fair is “Renewable Fun!”, and will be held at the county fairgrounds in Turlock from July 31st through August 9th, 2009. The Recycle Cycle is true environmental entertainment for kids and adults alike!

From the Recycle Cycle web site:

“When the Recycle Cycle stops to perform the environment lights up with action, sound and excitement. Kids and adults alike (are) encouraged to participate in any number of the on-board ecological activities…The Recycle Cycle is created entirely of reclaimed or recycled parts put to the task of educating and entertaining. It is a rolling lesson in the value of the environment and its resources delivered with fun and function.”