Sections of Oklahoma City are served by a residential curbside collection program. Elk City, Atoka, McAlester, and Norman all operate successful cardboard recovery programs for commercial customers. Processing All recyclables must be processed in some manner for manufacturing customers prior to shipment. Processing steps usually involve sorting, removal of contaminants, and packaging the material into a form that facilitates its transportation to market. For example, OCC must typically be baled for shipment.
Proper processing adds value to the recyclables, but it also increases costs.
Community recycling programs may include processing, or the processing can be handled by private vendors. However accomplished, processing is an integral element of the recycling system, and must be evaluated in the planning process. Public Education Public education is an essential ingredient for any type of recycling program. The educational effort must be continuous and broad-based. Customers need to be motivated to participate, and they need directions for proper participation.