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There’s a recycling drive happening this Saturday, and there are lots of good reasons you should go.

You might be asking, “What’s the big deal? I can recycle cans and bottles in my blue can at home.” But this recycling drive, like most of the special ones hosted periodically by the Suffolk Department of Public Works, is lots more than that.

Here are some reasons you should go:

• This is National Public Works Awareness Week, and while there are many important facets to public works in Suffolk, refuse and recycling collections are a big part of it. Taking an active role in cleaning up our city will give you a greater appreciation for the work of these important public servants.
• If you have an American flag that needs to be respectfully retired, Boy Scout Troop 16 will be on hand to collect it. The flags will later be burned during a meaningful flag retirement ceremony in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code.
• The Suffolk Sheriff’s Office will be on hand to discuss the importance of protecting against identity theft and encouraging residents to take advantage of secure document shredding that will be on hand.
• You can support ForKids at this drive with donations of non-perishable food items, toiletries, deodorant, and all things that make bubbles, such as hand soap and dish soap.
• You can recycle unneeded hearing aids and eyeglasses with the Lions Club, which will also be selling brooms.
• You can learn how to help control mosquito populations in the city through Suffolk Mosquito Control. Residents with a Suffolk ID can get a free pack of mosquito dunks with information on how best to use them in standing water near their homes.
• The drive will also be collecting household hazardous waste such as oil, gasoline, antifreeze, cleaners, propane tanks, pesticides, CFL lightbulbs and more.
• Unlike in your regular blue can, you can recycle tires, electronics, gently used clothing, plastic bags and batteries.
• If you have any plastic bottles and jugs #1 and #2, cardboard, paper or glass, you can recycle those as well, even though you can also put them in your blue container.
• If you are unsure what can be recycled in your blue can at home, you can ask questions and get answers at this event.

If any of those reasons you should attend this drive appeal to you, it will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 22 at the Suffolk Department of Public Works Operations Facility, 800 Carolina Road. The event is for Suffolk residents only, and all are asked to wear masks and observe social distancing. For more information, find the event on Facebook, visit www.suffolkva.us/339/Recycling-Drives, call 757-514-7604, or email ksb@suffolkva.us.