On Earth Day, it was fitting that the former Okotoks Recycling Centre changed it's name and opened a new facility for the community.

The now Okotoks Eco-Centre has opened it's doors allowing residents to deliver items that they aren't sure are recyclable or not can get advice on how to properly dispose of certain materials.

Manager of Waste Services for the Town Paul Lyons says the Eco-Centre will carry on adding new items to recycle to that isn't just paper and plastic.

"Last year we brought in also hazardous waste and we hope to keep that as a full year drop-off program which is quite unique in the community," he says. "We will be enhancing the other collection programs that we have for electronics which is full year as well along with recycling paint and paint products."

Lyons reminds everyone that just because the Eco-Centre takes on a lot of materials to recycle doesn't mean if you place certain items in a blue bin at your home that they'll get properly disposed of at the centre.

"The Eco-Centre as a new facility with new products but at the same time we want to keep it relevant in the sense that we don't want residents to think that all the products that they currently take here will be accepted in a blue cart program because that will not be the case."

Communications Administrator Melanie Heemeryck says there's more to come for the Eco-Centre.

"In the next six to eight months they'll be bringing in new types of ways of recycling and different options available and looking forward to moving towards universal recycling for residents this fall."

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