Norman strives for "Light Green"

Curbside recycling has been on the minds of many Norman citizens for many of years. On May 8, 2007, this dream became one step closer to reality as 71 percent of Norman voters approved the curbside recycling proposition. JEWN Communications, our PR Campaign’s group, has been given the opportunity to explore the problems, opportunities and other issues that may arise with Norman curbside recycling. Our goals for this campaign include educating customers, making sure they are satisfied with the program and encouraging people to participate.

The only problems now involve encouraging the involvement and participation of eligible curbside recyclers, educating Norman citizens on curbside and drop-off site recycling options and deciding on a recycling company.
The curbside recycling plan has already been pushed back a full month and is now set to begin on March 1, 2008. Many Norman citizens will have the opportunity to utilize curbside recycling, but those that do not will still be able to generate recyclable materials through Norman’s drop-off recycling site. Those that can recycle by means of curbside service will have a $3 addition to their monthly water bill.

Waste Management/Recycle America is North America’s largest recycler and Norman, Oklahoma’s leading option for a recycling company. Recycle America has proposed to pick up newspapers, magazines, aluminum, steel and tin cans, No.1 and 2 plastics and glass. The only withdraw is that they will not be picking up cardboard. This, however, can be easily taken care of as Norman drop-off sites do accept cardboard. The recyclable products will be picked up at the homeowner’s curbside in an 18 gallon, uncovered, bin.

While some may be worried about the start of this program, Norman’s new city manager, Steve Lewis, brought a list of 31 self-set goals to the City Council’s retreat on Saturday, Sept. 15. Included among his goals is “Ensuring the recently enacted curbside recycling program begins service on March 1.” So before the city of Norman frets of curbside recycling woes, we must remember how much closer we are to becoming environmentally-efficient than we were a year ago today.