Trash Talks — And We’re Listening
ACOG is kicking off an important new regional initiative, and we want your voice to be part of it. Introducing Trash Talks, a collaborative effort to better understand how residents across Central Oklahoma in Canadian, Cleveland, Oklahoma, Logan, Lincoln, Grady, McClain, and Pottawatomie counties experience trash, recycling, bulk pickup, convenience centers, and other waste-related services.
As part of the early assessment phase of the Regional Solid Waste Management Plan, ACOG has launched the Big Clean-Up Survey — and your feedback will play a crucial role in guiding how local governments address waste challenges and improve services across our communities.
Why We’re Launching Trash Talks
Central Oklahoma’s cities, towns, and counties each have their own waste programs, service providers, recycling options, and disposal challenges. But trash doesn’t stop at city, town or county limits, and neither should our solutions.
Through Trash Talks, ACOG aims to gather a clear picture of:
- What waste services are working well
- Which challenges residents encounter most
- How people feel about recycling, bulk pickup, convenience centers, and illegal dumping
- Where opportunities exist for innovation and improved coordination
This input will help inform the development of a long-term, regional approach to solid waste management that benefits everyone — from rural towns to urban neighborhoods.
The Big Clean-Up Survey
The centerpiece of this effort is the Big Clean-Up Survey, designed to capture real experiences from real people across the eight counties of Central Oklahoma. The survey asks about day-to-day waste challenges, recycling habits, disposal options, and community priorities.
Your time matters, so the survey was intentionally crafted to be:
- Quick: Only a few minutes to complete
- Straightforward: No technical jargon or complex questions
- Impactful: Your input directly informs regional planning
Every response strengthens our understanding of community needs and helps identify areas where collaboration, modernization, or new programs could make a meaningful difference.
Your Voice Shapes the Future
The ACOG Regional Solid Waste Management Plan is a multi-phase effort supported by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. The feedback gathered during this assessment phase will influence the development of the full regional plan — and eventually, pilot projects that could improve recycling, reduce landfill strain, support cleaner neighborhoods, and create more efficient, cost-effective waste systems.
Your participation is essential. This is your chance to help shape solutions that impact your home, your community, and the broader region.
It only takes a few minutes, and your voice will make a real difference.
Spread the Word
The success of Trash Talks depends on hearing from as many people as possible. Please share the survey with your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors across Central Oklahoma. The more perspectives we gather, the better our regional plan will be.