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I recently visited the newly opened Marco Island Recycling Center. It seems strange to say, but what a beauty it is! The center is located at 990 Chalmers Drive at the corner of Chalmers and East Elkcam Circle, across the street from its previous location. I have to say that for a center that essentially collects recyclables, it is immaculate and quite attractive.

In planning the new recycling center, engineers solicited input from county employees and other experts, and a model of efficiency was created. As a matter of fact, the Marco Island Recycling Center is now the national prototype for recycling centers. While the former site consisted of more than two acres, the new location sits on just seven-tenths of an acre, with an entrance for residential and commercial drop off and an entrance for county vendors that pick up the materials.

The center was built to withstand up to 150 mph. winds and has a generator in case of power outage caused by a storm. The site was also elevated to place it above flood level.

Site manager Ralph McKellar, who has more than 26 years experience in the recycling field, is very proud of this state-of-the-art facility. He explained that most items require no fee to drop off because the county in turn sells the product. For instance, corrugated cardboard and scrap metals are sold to independent companies and put to new uses.

The list of materials accepted at the center is quite long. It includes the usual collection of newspapers, magazines, plastics and aluminum cans. They also accept corrugated cardboard, scrap metal, paint, electronics, batteries, fluorescent bulbs and ballasts, cleaning fluids, chemicals, gasoline, oil, antifreeze, and filters. There is a small fee for depositing yard waste and construction and demolition debris. A complete list of the acceptable items and any associated fee is available at the Marco Island Recycling Center. In addition, hazardous waste (corrosives, toxics, cleaners, chemicals, sharps) is only accepted from single family households not from businesses. If businesses need to dispose of hazardous waste they may call the Solid Waste Department.

The next time you are cleaning out your garage, please consider where those cans and other various containers and items should really go. No, not in the trash can! Just put them in the trunk of your car and head over to the recycling center. It couldn’t be more convenient. You do not even have to leave the island to do the right thing.

What’s really exciting to Collier County staff is that prior to beginning its aggressive recycling program, the county landfill had just five years worth of space left. Today it is estimated that the landfill has another 25 years of life in it! So not only is recycling great for our planet, it’s also good for our taxpayer pocketbooks!

Of course, the usual recyclables can be placed in your green and yellow recycling can and placed curbside for pickup every Thursday on Marco Island.

The Marco Island Recycling Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you have any questions, please call the center at 252-5153.