For Immediate Release:  June 1, 2022

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

James Poling, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (405) 521-6000

The City of Harrah, the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBNDD), Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) and RTR Environmental will host a recycling event at the Oklahoma Turnpike’s Kickapoo Maintenance Yard, located at 7837 S Peebly Rd, Newalla, OK on June 4 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Used tires, old pharmaceuticals, household hazardous waste and scrap metal will be collected.

This is a free event for Harrah residents. A utility bill will be required as proof of residency.

“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.”

The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs 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 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 Harrah residents and travelers. To learn more about getting your community involved in recycling and clean up, visit keepoklahomabeautiful.com.

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