New Trash System Simplifies Recycling For Jenks Residents

Folks in Jenks are talking trash. The city is on the verge of providing a cutting edge way of picking up trash and recyclables curbside, which would be a first for residents there.

The City of Jenks calls its residents avid recyclers and the MET recycling center shows proof. There are thousands of cans piled and people are constantly dropping off things.

Jenks resident Judy McGaugh takes a trip there every other week. She said she's thrilled to learn curbside recycling will soon be available.

"I think it's great, because people need to recycle, and maybe this will encourage them to recycle more," McGaugh said.

The city says this new method will make things a lot easier.

"We're effective, now, because the same truck that's coming to your house, now will be picking up your recyclables," said Jenks City Manager Mike Tinker.ash

"That's your cardboard, your paper, your newspaper, your plastics, your aluminums--you'll place those recyclables loose in the bottom of the container," said Tom Hill, CEO of American Waste Control.

Trash will continue to be placed in bags and residents will use the same cart for both. The weekly pickup day will stay the same and residents' trash bills won't change one cent.

"We're feeling that we can collect enough of the recyclables from the waste stream and sell those recyclables, and that cost will offset the cost of the processing," Hill said.

American Waste Control says Jenks is the only city in the state to use this system.

"They're leading the way in implementing this very efficient and environmentally friendly system, and once they lead the way, I think others will see how easy and accessible it makes recycling and they'll want to get on board, too," Hill said.

Glass will not be allowed in the "One Cart Recycle" system. Residents will still have to take that to a MET drop-off site.

The city will pass out fliers next week that'll let residents know exactly what can and can't be recycled. The program starts on April 1.