Solid Waste Management
Our Program
Our Mission
The Mission of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service (OCES) is to disseminate information to the people of Oklahoma and encourage the adoption of research-generated knowledge relating to agriculture, family and consumer services, 4-H youth development, and rural economic development. The educational specialist of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service will provide waste management assistance by providing:
- Technical assistance
- Educational materials and programs
- Waste management analysis
- Assistance to local and county solid waste decision makers to implement waste management plans
What We Can Do
In-service "Train the Trainer" events for Extension Educators
Topics covered under this package include; reduce, reuse, recycled, composting, littering and illegal dumping. In addition, we provide assistance to rural communities with population less than 2,500.
Oklahoma Environmental Law Enforcement Training Seminars
Topics include gaining expertise in solid and hazardous waste, open burning, illegal dumping, environmental crimes and identifying resources for improving local enforcement. The seminars are co-sponsored with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality.
Solid Waste Management Resource Trunks
The trunk includes curriculum and activities organized by topics and grade levels for use by K-12 educators. It contains Close the Loop , an interactive display that features products made from recyclable materials. They are available for 3-weeks loans by educators for formal and informal settings.
Annual PFAS and Emerging Contaminant Workshop
In partnership with Trihydro Corporation, this annual workshop educates the public on PFAS "forever chemicals" and other emerging environmental contaminants. Topics include chemical fundamentals, environmental and health impacts, assessment methods, current research, remediation techniques, and legal and regulatory frameworks.
Oklahoma Recycling Festival
The annual Oklahoma Recycling Festival is a family friendly event done in partnership with the Oklahoma Recycling Association Festival to bring together recycling enthusiasts (regardless of city residency) to explore recycling art, educational games, and businesses in Oklahoma. During this festival there will be waste collection, providing Oklahomans with the opportunity to give away their hard-to-recycle items to be recycled free of charge. On top of that, those who attend the festival can enjoy good food from food trucks.
Waste Management Presentation and Talks
Need someone to talk to your group about sustainable waste management, recycling, composting, zero waste, the circular economy, or other environmental topics? We're here to help! The OCES Solid Waste Program provides these services FREE of charge. Feel free to reach out. We're happy to engage with your group through: Workshops, Youth camps, Nature camps, Outdoor classrooms