Palm Springs Recycling Center Faces Eviction After Complaints Over Homeless Loitering

A recycling center in Palm Springs is facing eviction following complaints from nearby business owners who say homelessness and loitering have become increasingly disruptive in the Smoke Tree Village shopping center. The situation centers on Ponce Recycling, where staff acknowledge the business could be just days away from being removed from its current location.

The owner of Ponce Recycling denies targeting homeless individuals, telling us the business is only refusing service to people who are loitering within the shopping center. He also believes his center is not the primary reason unhoused individuals gather in the area, saying his business is ultimately there to help people who rely on recycling for income.

Several nearby business owners, however, describe a growing problem with safety and disturbances. One business owner recalled multiple incidents, including an instance where a heavy trash bin was thrown at their window, nearly shattering it. Others say shouting, erratic behavior, and general loitering have scared both employees and customers.

Some business owners argue that while many community members rely on recycling for income, the situation has escalated into what they describe as a nuisance tied to a broader vagrancy issue. They say the presence of the recycling center has contributed to increased gatherings of unhoused individuals in the shopping center. Others point to a nearby abandoned building as another area where people have been congregating.

With eviction looming, Ponce Recycling maintains its goal is to support those who need a place to recycle, while neighboring businesses continue to call for changes to restore safety and calm in the shopping center. More developments are expected in the coming days as the landlord moves toward finalizing a decision.

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