For Immediate Release:  June 1, 2021

Contact:  Jack Damrill, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (405) 425-3610

Erin Hatfield, Department of Environmental Quality (405) 702-7119

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA), the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Lincoln County Sherriff’s Office, the Town of Wellston, Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, and RTR Environmental will host a recycling event at the Oklahoma Turnpike’s Wellston maintenance yard, located at 334516 E Highway 66, on June 12 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Used tires, old pharmaceuticals, household hazardous waste and scrap metal will be collected.

“Proper disposal is necessary because tire dumps and scrap metal piles may create fire hazards and often become breeding grounds for vermin and mosquitoes, which can carry diseases,” said Lincoln County Sheriff Charlie Dougherty. “Outdated and unused pharmaceuticals also cause various health and safety issues by polluting lakes, rivers, and streams, many of which are drinking water sources,” Sheriff Dougherty added.

“Leftover containers of pesticides and herbicides, antifreeze or other automotive products, tend to accumulate around the house or in the garage,” said Patrick Riley, an Environmental Programs Manager with DEQ. “Disposing of them along with other household garbage can create the potential for trash truck fires or endanger sanitation workers. If leaked or spilled they may harm pets or wildlife. Household hazardous waste collection events help manage that type of waste safely, in an environmentally friendly manner.”

Lincoln County residents are encouraged to participate in this free event. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office will collect old/unused prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and transport them to an approved site for proper disposal.

RTR Environmental will remove the old tires after the Wellston event. Tire recycling can repurpose millions of pounds of old rubber into new life as playground surface or new roadway pavement. Oklahomans throw away about one tire per person each year. Oklahoma is a national leader in tire recycling.

All involved agencies are proud supporters of Keep Oklahoma Beautiful and are excited to collaborate and promote the proper disposal of unwanted items to keep our state beautiful for Lincoln County residents and travelers. To learn more about getting your community involved in recycling and clean up, visit keepoklahomabeautiful.com

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