I grew up when saving the planet was the new thing, not Microsoft Surface or the iphone 5. I remember when we got the blue boxes to put curbside for the recycling guys to pick up. Nowadays, my parents have this giant green garbage can courtesy of the recycling department that they tow to the curb; you don't even have to sort anything...they do all of that stuff for you. I think it tells you how far we've come when that recycle bin is bigger than my parents' real garbage can. Once I moved away from home, I've realized the lack of recycling that is done at apartment complexes. Don't laugh, but for the years I didn't have recycling, I've dragged recyclable trash home to dump. It's just a habit. I just can't in good conscience dump cardboard in the garbage can. It's a bit tedious obviously (and yes, slightly crazy) to drag trash to Chicago though. When I first moved down here, I actually really thought about asking friends who had houses if they would mind if I dumped my recyclables with theirs. But after researching on google, I found this place. And they are just the solution. Phoenix is open Monday through Saturday 8-2. They pretty much take the usual recyclables except for styrofoam and #6 plastic. They've also stopped taking plastic bags, but that's okay because Trader Joe's, Schnucks, Dierbergs, and Walmart all have containers for those nowadays. Here's a list: Plastics #1-9, except 6 Tin Aluminum Newspaper Mixed paper (junk mail, etc) Phone books Magazines Catalogs Glass Cardboard They do ask that you separate the materials by type and also to rinse all the containers. And it's a drive through recycling center meaning that you drive up and inside the big barn, stop the car, and three or four employees will come empty your car for you. They don't talk much, but they quickly get the job done and you're on your way. The website also states that they take computers. I'm not sure about that, but you might want to call and check. read more

I liked using this place for recycling but now they seem to be permanently closed. Even during their hours of operation there is no one there and nobody answers the phone. Also nowhere to drop off items. read more

This is a great alternative to curbside recycling, you just drive up and helpful people there actually help you unload your car, and point out where stuff goes... im happy this place exists so I don't feel overwhelmed in my recycling efforts... my curbside recycling is very finicky so I have a feeling I'll be coming here again... read more

This place has been great every time I've visited. The Ruby Lane Fairview Heights, IL location is just southwest of the intersection by Fazoli's and the Old Navy plaza, behind Moody Park. Everyone is so nice. You drive through the place, and they'll even help you unload. Recently I've noticed some recycling centers ceasing to take plastic, so I tried reaching out to Phoenix before packing my car full of recyclables. It was hard to reach the place. The number 235-2712 has been disconnected, as well as the 489-5052 number I found online, and a 293-6282 number sounded like a fax machine. I got a hold of the coordinator by calling Support System and Services, and he confirmed they're open Mon-Sat 8am-2pm, and they take plastic #1 and #2, household glass (like bottles, etc; not things like automotive glass), tin, cardboard, magazines, paper, etc. I didn't ask him, but in the past when I've brought glass, they've said they like the clear glass separated from brown, green, etc. He also told me that 293-6282 is the number at the actual center, but if they're busy it goes to the fax machine. read more