Leading By Example -

New HEC3 Opens

The sparkling new Household Electronics and Chemical Collection Center (HEC3) is now open, replacing the outdated, open-air facility. It’s conveniently located one driveway south of the old facility at 2855 109th Ave. N. in St. Petersburg.

With the growth in volume from 25,000 pounds in 1992 to last year’s almost 2.5 million pounds, the capacity of the old location was overwhelmed. The new center has more storage and is easier for residents to navigate.

While visiting the new HEC3, residents can also drop off their regular recycling. The drop-off recycling bins have been moved to a convenient spot adjacent to the new building. Another popular item that’s been moved to the new area is a free landscaping mulch pile, so residents can bring a shovel and help themselves.

Additional items are now accepted, like vehicle batteries, used motor oil, cooking oil, and smoke detectors. Expanded hours of operation offer additional convenience to residents six days a week. The hours are Mondays to Fridays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All of the services in and around the HEC3 are offered at no charge to county residents and at special contract rates for businesses.

Since 2007. Pinellas County has been the first jurisdiction in the state to earn the Green Local Government designation. The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) recognized the county’s environmental stewardship and its leadership in following sustainability practices. In order to obtain the Green Local Government designation, the coalition considered a comprehensive list of criteria, which included a myriad of local government department functions. For more information on this prestigious designation, visit www.floridagreenbuilding.org. Pinellas County continues its dedication to green living and working, considering the sustainability factor of projects, planning and employment – both on the road and in the office.