Student Tribune
Green Tip: One Stop Recycling
Did you know that in Monroe County we have this wonderful option called
Ecopark for self-service, one-stop recycling for unusable things that
cannot go into your curbside bin? Ecopark is free and open to all
residents of Monroe County. Currently it is open Wednesday
afternoons (1pm-6:30pm) and Saturday mornings (7:30am-1pm), closed on
holidays.
How does it work?
- You load up your vehicle and drive over to Ecopark (10
Avion Drive –behind the ROC Airport).
- There may be a line as you each take your turn driving
into the Ecopark building/warehouse. See Ecopark in this 8-minute
video.
- Inside there are places to drop off your various items as you drive
in a big “u.”
- You need to unload and put your items in the
correct bins yourself—they may be boxes (for
old cell phones) or large dumpsters (for flattened cardboard). Personnel
usually are on site to direct people.
- A few items are fee-based (tires, TVs, appliances with
refrigerant)—staff will take payment via credit/debit card only.
What can I take to Ecopark?
Unusable items that cannot go in your curbside recycling bin such
as:
- Appliances (gas
grills, dishwashers, dryers, etc.)
- Bulky plastic
items ALL plastic only-no metal or fabric! (plastic lawn furniture, milk
crates, large kids’ toys)
- Button
batteries (from watches, hearing aids, garage door openers, etc.)
- Cell phones (go to Cell Phones for Soldiers)
- Electronics
(mouses, cables, laptops, DVD players, calculators, extension cords and
more)
- Eyeglasses<
/a> (go to Lions Clubs)
- Fluorescent bulbs
and CFL bulbs (non-spiral)
- Hardcover books (To recycle hard cover books curbside, cut
pages out of binding.)
- Ink jet printer cartridges
- Pill bottles
- Pop tabs (go to Ronald McDonald House program)
- Scrap metal
- White
packing Styrofoam (no tape or stickers please)
Household
Hazardous Waste accepted by appointment only (such as paint--more
than1/3 can full; pesticides and fertilizers).
This is the first in a three-article series on ways to recycle your unwanted
stuff. Next month, we focus on donation options for usable items.
Penwarden, Ann
Sustainability Steering Committee’s Recycling Committee
02/16/2021