State of the County: Dealing with our trash

‘No Horseplay’ when it comes to litter

BY MARK ANDERSON

Now that the holidays are over and we’re in a new year, let’s make it a habit to recycle and put waste where it belongs.

There are 18 county-operated recycling centers throughout Marion County that accept household garbage and recyclables – and all of these are available to residents of unincorporated Marion County who pay the annual assessment fee on their property taxes. Also, the Baseline Transfer Station is open to anyone in Marion County who has trash, yard waste, tires or other items in need of disposal.

Now that it’s time to take down your Christmas trees and other holiday decorations (or maybe you leave them up longer, we don’t judge), here’s what you can and cannot bring to recycling centers:

BATTERIES: Rechargeable batteries (AA, AAA, C and D) can be placed in the hazardous waste shed at any recycling center. Household batteries that are non-rechargeable (AA, AAA, C and D) should be placed in your household garbage.

CARDBOARD: Can be placed in the single-stream recycling containers at any recycling center. Remember, no Styrofoam and no plastic bags.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Can be placed in the metal bin at any recycling center or into the electronics box at the following locations: Baseline, Dunnellon, Forest Corners, Fort McCoy, Martel, Newton and Weirsdale. REAL CHRISTMAS TREES (WITH DECORATIONS REMOVED):

Can be placed in the yard waste area at any recycling center. Fake Christmas trees should be disposed of with regular trash.

CHRISTMAS RIBBONS AND BOWS: Should be placed in your household garbage. Christmas wrapping paper can be placed in the single-stream recycling containers at any recycling center.

ELECTRONICS: Can be placed in the electronics box at the following locations: Baseline, Dunnellon, Forest Corners, Fort McCoy, Martel, Newton and Weirsdale.

PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS: May be recycled at participating department and grocery stores. Styrofoam and packing peanuts should be placed in your household garbage.

And don’t forget, large items such as tires, household appliances, furniture and yard waste can be brought to the Baseline Transfer Station any time for a small fee. For a list of accepted items and associated fees, visit www.environmental.marionfl.org and click on “Recycling & Trash.”

As we continue into 2023, there’s “No Horsin’ Around With Marion” when it comes to litter. The county litter campaign is kicking into high gear, with several events and initiatives planned throughout the year to come, including road cleanup events and a tougher response to litter offenders.

To take the litter-free pledge and learn more about this campaign, visit MarionFL. org/NoHorsinAround. Let’s keep Marion County beautiful!

Mark Andersonis a public relations specialist for Marion County.