Kern County is spending $220,000 to take over the Recycling Lives program, which offers job training to the homeless and those recently out of prison.

Assistant County Administrative Officer Teresa Hitchock told Supervisors it fills a need as those folks get out of drug or mental health counseling but don’t necessarily have the skills for a full time position.

Participants will recycle glass and turn it into mulch, which can be sold to homes and businesses for top dollar.

Kelli Pierce