The village of DeGraff celebrated the official opening of the third full-time Logan County recycling center Thursday.

The drop-off center never closes and is under surveillance 24/7, with pay-as-you-throw trash dispensers.

“This is certainly going to give them (the community) a huge opportunity to recycle. People can’t wait for this to happen,” said Alan Hale, coordinator of the Logan County Solid Waste Management District. It has been in the works since late last fall, he said.

The late Bob Smithers, a longtime science teacher at Riverside High School who taught the importance of recycling, provided recycling for the community for at least 20 years.

“Mainly young people were involved because he taught them,” said his wife, Susie Smithers, a member of the DeGraff Village Council. “Youth groups did a lot of community service. We are excited about the center.”

The center also includes a hitch for horses.

Recycling centers opened in Lakeview and at Moundwood in 2007 and 2008, respectively.

Call 599-1253 or visit logancountyrecycles.com to learn more.

DeGraff Mayor Gary Comer Sr., center, prepares to cut the official opening ribbon for the DeGraff Recycling Center Thursday as DeGraff council members and others look on.