Although the concept has been around for many years, the actual work of recycling is something that’s still relatively new in Suffolk. The city’s rolling blue containers — and its partnership with TFC Recycling — are new enough that many folks are still getting the hang of exactly what can be recycled and what cannot.

Even so, recycling has been a huge benefit for Suffolk. Everything that goes into those containers avoids being buried at the regional landfill in Suffolk, and that saves the city — and taxpayers — a significant sum each year, not to mention helping to extend the life of the landfill.

Still, there are some things that cannot go into the big blue bins. That’s where Suffolk’s twice-yearly recycling drives come into play, and one of them is scheduled for today in the Lowe’s parking lot off North Main Street.

What can you do with batteries or tires or electronics, for example? Don’t put them into the trash or into the recycling containers, as they’re not allowed in either of those waste streams. Instead, haul them over to the recycling drive today.

Residents can also dispose of household hazardous waste products at the drive — things like paint, oil, cleaners, pesticides and more, as long as they’re limited to five gallons of liquid or 75 pounds of solid waste.

Tires are a big problem in Suffolk. Too many areas of the city have been seen as places to dump used tires, which then contribute to the proliferation of mosquitoes and generally cause an unsightly mess. Instead of dumping them in a rural area or paying to dispose of them at the landfill, bring them to the recycling drive. As long as they’re 22 inches in diameter or smaller and lacking their rims, the city will take them.

There will also be a chance for folks to have up to three brown grocery bags of documents shredded, along with collections of cardboard, gently used clothing, plastic bags, glass containers, plastics and CFL bulbs at the drive.

The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Suffolk Lions Club will be collecting canned food, baby food, wipes, hearing aids and eyeglasses for later distribution to those who need those items.

And Suffolk Mosquito Control will be on hand with information about how to control mosquitoes. Those folks will also be giving away free mosquito dunks to help with the effort.

The recycling drive is for Suffolk residents only, and an ID will be required for those leaving household hazardous waste or tires. Officials will be collecting items from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Take advantage of this free opportunity to clean the house and help keep Suffolk’s environment clean.