LAWTON – The City of Lawton, in collaboration with the Lawton Enhancement Trust Authority, will host its annual Trash Off event May 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the McMahon Memorial Auditorium parking lot, 801 NW Ferris.
This yearly event is a free opportunity for Lawtonians to responsibly dispose of many materials that cannot be placed in residential carts. Citizens will be directed to proper disposal bins by signage and volunteers in the parking lot on the day of the event.
Citizens may drop off materials at no charge, but must present a valid ID with a Lawton address or a City of Lawton utility bill. Those with active military IDs will also be permitted to drop off materials at no cost.
Nonresidents who want to drop off items may do so by making a $25 donation to the Lawton Enhancement Trust Authority, a designated 501(c)(3), on site.
Items accepted during the event include used oil, auto batteries, antifreeze, fluorescent bulbs and appliances. Special vendors also will accept pharmaceuticals. A more complete list of acceptable and unacceptable items is listed below. Inquiries about any Trash Off materials to be accepted can be directed to the City of Lawton Neighborhood Services Division.
In addition to on-site collections in the auditorium parking lot, various volunteers and civic groups will coordinate to pick up trash and debris throughout areas of town. Those interested in this beautification project should contact the city’s Neighborhood Services Division at (580) 581-3467 or corey.bowen@lawtonok.gov for additional information and instruction.
“We encourage all community members to get involved in the Trash Off,” Community Relations Director Tiffany Martinez Vrska said.
Several community partners have a hand in making Trash Off a success, including Arvest Bank, Goodwill, Gill’s Waste Oil, Comanche County Sheriff’s Office and Electronic Synergy Foundation. Several city departments are involved in the initiative, too, including Community Services, Public Works and Parks & Recreation.
Trash Off items that will be accepted: Used oil, auto batteries, tires (no larger than truck size), scrap metal, vacuum cleaners, fluorescent bulbs, all appliances, fire extinguishers, reusable furniture, rechargeable batteries, latex paint, alkaline batteries, pharmaceuticals, oil-based paint, craft and hobby supplies.
Items that will not be accepted: Lab waste, ammunition, explosives, compressed gas cylinders, commercial waste, tractor tires, tires mounted on rims, hazardous materials.