In our modern world, just about every household accumulates chemicals that can become dangerous when large quantities come together in a landfill.

The Household Hazardous Waste Facility, 2150 S. 22nd St., was created to give area households a way to dispose safely of such items as used oil, oil paints, lawn chemicals and other potentially hazardous waste. The goal is quite simply to keep items that don’t belong in landfills out of them. This important new disposal option had its official grand opening in March.

Using this disposal center not only keeps inappropriate materials out of landfill, but also increases the types of things recycled in our region. The facility complements the local waste agency’s existing recycling efforts. The new building is just across the parking lot from the facility which takes in glass, cardboard, paper and plastic from Fort Dodge and towns all over the region.

During regular business hours the center is open by appointment only making it easy for people to get in and out. Appointments for drop-offs are available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 8 to 11 a.m. every Saturday during the summer (June 1 through Aug. 31). Customers pull up under the drive-through, and technicians from the facility will come out and take their information and unload the materials.

Households can bring in many items for free. For some, however, there is a modest charge. Small businesses also can make use of the center. For more information, including a list of accepted items, or to set up an appointment call 576-5866 or 576-5868, or visit fortdodgeregionalrecyclingcenter.com/hhm.html. The center is also on Facebook at is.gd/FacebookHHM.

The new center also has a swap shop where members of the public can pick up for free still-usable paints, cleaners and other items.

The Messenger applauds the creation of this important facility. It is a tremendous asset for our community. We urge readers to help keep our environment safer by making full use of it.