We don't have an organized, curbside pickup recycling program in South Walton (yet!) but I feel we are heading in that direction and there are ways you can do your part now. Remember, it is the combined small efforts of many that creates a large, lasting change.
■ The Blue Bag Recycling ProgramThe county implemented the free Blue Bag Program in 2007.
The idea is that you pick up free Blue Bags to put recyclables in. No sorting is necessary - prison inmates (yes, inmates!) are given the task of sorting the recyclables at the Walton County Landfill in DeFuniak Springs. Actually, this is probably a little known fact, too - inmates have been sorting through our garbage for recyclables in Walton county for awhile so we have actually had a behind-the-scenes recycling program going on all along. The Blue Bags came into the picture to make the process more efficient and effective.
Sorting
Although sorting is not necessary, you need
to keep all paper dry (wet paper can't be recycled) and rinsing out the
glass and plastics is required. When the Blue Bag is filled, close it
up and throw it in your curbside garbage bin with your other trash for
regular pickup. It is that simple!
What to Recycle
You can recycle the following items in Blue Bags (FYI - this info is also on the bags themselves)
- Clean dry paper
- Plastics (please rinse)
- Glass (please rinse)
- Tin/steel/aluminum cans
- Corrugated cardboard
Where to pick up the bags
In South Walton, pick up a stash at the following locations:
- Coastal Branch Library (directions)
- Commissioner Cecilia Jones's Office in Santa Rosa Beach (directions) (850) 231-2978
- Courthouse Annex Lobby (directions)
- Tourist Development Council Welcome Center (directions)
For other Walton county locations to pick up the bags, go here.
You can also purchase bags at a store. The key is that the bag is blue so inmates can identify that the refuse is recyclables.
More Questions?
Contact Aaron Warren, Recycling Program Coordinator, 850-951-0551
■ Recycling Trailers
If you prefer to physically take your recyclables to a recycling trailer yourself (pre-sorted), here is a map/list (PDF) of locations where you can do that.
■ Information on responsible disposal of household items and hazardous materials
- Have used oil to dispose of? Drop it off (free) at one of several Used Motor Oil Stations through out Walton County The oil is recycled and used for other purposes.
- Watch for These Special Days:
- Community Cleanup Days:
Large garbage bins are placed throughout the county for those who need
to safely and responsibly dispose of larger household items like
furniture, white goods (dryers, refrigerators), tires, batteries, etc
Next scheduled date: December 12, 2009 on County Highway 283 N (Bay Drive) - Amnesty Days - Hazardous Materials Disposal: These days are scheduled twice a year for residents to dispose of toxic household chemicals, white goods, tires, computers, and other large materials.
- Community Cleanup Days:
Large garbage bins are placed throughout the county for those who need
to safely and responsibly dispose of larger household items like
furniture, white goods (dryers, refrigerators), tires, batteries, etc
- The South Walton Mosquito Control Offices have a large dumpster on site where South Walton residents can dispose of metal items, electronics, and tires, free of charge!! They are located at 774 N. Highway 393 - Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459. Phone is (850) 267-2112.
- Solid Waste Disposal The Walton County Solid Waste Facility/Landfill is open to any resident of Walton County. The Solid Waste Facility is located on Highway 83 North, four miles outside of DeFuniak Springs. The Solid Waste Facility accepts any household garbage (Class One) at a cost of $50 per ton or construction materials (Class Three) excluding hazardous materials at cost of $21 per ton. The Solid Waste Facility also accepts tires at a cost of $90 a ton. Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday: 6:00 am - 4:30 pm AND Saturday: 7:00 am - 1:00 pm. Directions and info: 850-892-8180.
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