Tulsa trash board will continue education efforts
BY BRIAN BARBER World Staff Writer
Monday, November 12, 2012
11/12/12 at 5:53 AM
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about the changes to Tulsa’s trash service.
Tulsa's trash board has wrapped up its $1.2 million educational campaign for the transition to the new system but it has budgeted $350,000 in both this fiscal year and next to continue those efforts.
Solid Waste Manager Eric Lee said the Tulsa Authority for the Recovery of Energy's consultants recommended ongoing outreach to the public.
"People, through just their normal habits, will forget things," he said.
As an example, Lee said, the recycling processor being used has reported that it is getting a large number of water bottles that are partially full when they need to be empty to be recycled.
"Sometimes we might need to give some gentle reminders," he said, adding that as the city collects more data about the trash and recycling it collects, the educational efforts can be more targeted.
City spokeswoman Liz Hunt, who works with the trash board on communications issues, said there may also be the need to inform the public about any operational changes.
If smaller recycling carts become available, which is something people have clamored for, some money may be spent to share that information with customers, she said.
It also is hoped that the city's Communications Department will develop materials that can be sent to area schools so children can learn more about the new system and recycling, Hunt said.
To maximize the dollars available, most of the future educational efforts will be done by city staff, she said.
For the $1.2 million campaign, Littlefield Brand Development was hired.
That money was spent on media advertising, website development, the development of mailers, brochures and fact sheets, as well as public relations consulting and other expenses.
A more informed public, Lee said, should help keep down the number of complaints and help people get the most benefit out of the new system.
Original Print Headline: Trash service education efforts will continue
Brian Barber 918-581-8322
brian.barber@tulsaworld.com
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