Darien Recycling and Refuse Center

Small-town recycling center tucked off Ledge Road that Darien residents use to keep bulky recyclables out of the trash. Neighbors drop off cardboard, paper, glass, metal and many common plastics here, and the site sometimes runs special collection programs for things like electronics or textiles. It's the sort of place people swing by with a van full of boxes or a trunk load after a cleanup.

Drive up to a single entrance where there's a small gate booth and a scale house a short ways in; vehicles usually pull forward to be directed where to unload. Recycling bins and containers sit to the right of the main traffic aisle, while larger drop-off areas and open bays are further in for big items. Weekend lines form during common cleanup times, so see a steady stream of cars and pickups; the site itself is mostly paved with clear signage over each container. Loosen straps on bundles and have boxes flattened to make the stop quicker.