Republic Services Inc. has opened a regional recycling center in Jacksonville, Fla.

The Phoenix-based Republic said in a news release that the 70,000-sq.uare-foot facility can process more than 65,000 tons of recyclables annually. The facility will serve residents and businesses in a multi-county area, including the Florida counties of Duval, St. Johns and Alachua, as well as parts of south Georgia, including Savannah.

Republic said the recycling center represents a major investment in technology, with advanced sorting capabilities including the use of magnets, screens and optical sorters to separate recyclables.

The Jacksonville facility employs 30 and was designed to allow for expansion as recycling grows beyond the region. It also features an Eco Center to educate visitors about waste reduction and recycling.

“This represents Republic Services’ commitment to Jacksonville and north Florida and our commitment to planet-friendly solutions,” said Andrew King, general manager for the company.