The new mobile drop-off CLYNK recycling center in Citrus Heights features a solar panel on the roof and several drop windows for different recyclables. A colorful white, red, black and green color scheme provides large, easy-to-read instructions on the front of the kiosk. Photo courtesy of CLYNK

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Citrus Heights city planners have approved an application submitted by Ivan Pislar and Jacie Leavitt, owners and operators of Ivan’s Recycling, LLC, to open an innovative new mobile, drop-off, self-serve CRV bag drop recycling facility in the Copperwood Square Shopping Center.

Senior city planner Alison Bermudez considered and then approved the application on June 4.

The planned fall opening of a self-service mobile drop-off CLYNK-branded recycling facility satisfies the city’s planning requirements “for a responsible, secure, and community-friendly solution that aligns with the city’s goals to reduce litter, improve environmental outcomes, and serve local residents,” according to the city.

Owner/operators Ivan Pislar and his wife, Jacie Leavitt operate two recycling ventures in the immediate area, Simply Recycle in Fair Oaks, and their primary facility at 8002 Zenith Drive in Citrus Heights which opened in 2018.

“We’re pleased to partner with CLYNK and grateful for the guidance and especially the support which Allison (Bermudez) gave us through the city’s approval process,” said Leavitt, who handles business operations for the firm.

Founded in 2006, CLYNK, headquartered in Maine and founded in 2006, is considered one of the fastest growing bottle redemption and recycling services in the country, processing under patented technology over 900 million containers since inception. 

The new Citrus Heights facility is its first in Northern California, according to the company.

The planned CLYNK drop-off recycling unit features a solar panel on the roof. The prefabricated container-style self-service kiosk measures 160 square feet, or eight feet by 20 feet, with three secured access doors where residents can drop off different types of redeemable beverage containers by using a mobile app. 

A colorful white, red, black and green color scheme on the front of the kiosk provides large, easy-to-read instructions.

Here’s how the new CLYNK facility will work.

Customers can fill a green CLYNK bag at home and drop it off using their own unique barcode. Refund deposits will be then issued electronically to be credited to their account within 24 to 48 hours, according to the company.

CLYNK also allows its customers to create a personal account, accumulate a balance and use funds at their discretion (for cash, groceries, or electronic donations to community organizations).

“Once in operation, our team will monitor and maintain the kiosk frequently to ensure it remains clean, orderly, and in good working condition,” Pislar wrote in his application to the city.

“Overflow or missed pickups will be avoided through a technology-based alert system that notifies us when service is needed,” he said.

The opening of a new mobile recycling center on the east side of Citrus Heights fully compliments the couple’s existing facility on the west side of the city near Lichen Drive and their second center in Fair Oaks, Jacie Leavitt said.

“We believe this innovation provides a responsible, secure, and community-friendly solution that aligns with the city’s stated goals to reduce litter, improve environmental outcomes, and serve local residents,” Pislar said.

Simply Recycle, opened in November 2024, and located at 4802 San Juan Ave., in Fair Oaks, uses advanced automation technology to eliminate the need to pre-sort, crush, and weigh California Redemption Value (CRV) eligible recyclables. 

Site plans submitted by Ivan’s Recycling LLC to the city planning department show the proposed collection container will take up about 160 square feet in the parking lot of the Cooperwood Square shopping center across from FoodMaxx and be situated near the corner of Woodmore Oaks Drive and Sunrise Boulevard. Photo courtesy of CLYNK

Their Fair Oaks facility, which was funded by a CalRecycle grant, allows customers to receive deposit vouchers within minutes of dropping off their material, which they can redeem for cash on the spot.

The Fair Oaks facility is the only one of its kind in California which is powered by TOMRA technology. TOMRA is a leader in the recycling industry and is committed to developing long-term sustainability solutions, she said.

While the two recycling centers operate differently (one is automated and the other is conventional), both are profitable and encourage customers to support recycling efforts in their local communities, she said.

“Our general mission is simple, to continue to give our consumers the opportunity to easily and responsibly redeem their CRV deposits, while helping reduce bottle and can waste from our streets,” Leavitt said.

Ivan’s Recycling at 8002 Zenith Drive in Citrus Heights is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The company accepts aluminum, plastic, and glass CRV containers only, offering fast, friendly service with a streamlined drop-off experience.

For more information about Simply Recycle, visit simply-recycle.com. For general information about recycling, visit calrecycle.ca.gov.