Each year, Friends of the M.e.t., Inc. honors individuals and organizations that have taken
strides in recycling in Oklahoma. We firmly believe that in order to keep moving forward in our
environmental mission, it is important to take time to recognize those who make recycling a
priority in our community as well as our state. In November, we held our 14th annual America
Recycles Day Banquet on Thursday, the 13th, at the Double Tree Hotel Downtown.
Don Comstock
Earth Rebirth
NCED Hotel & Conference Center
City of Elk City
Robert Pickens & Michael Willis
Fenton Rood
Don Comstock, 2014 Oklahoma Recycling Volunteer
Nicknamed the "Clean-up Man", Don spends his days tidying up his childhood neighborhood simply
because he wants to. He started clearing weeds, picking up garbage and monitoring the neighborhood's
curb appeal after he noticed his once beautiful community had become rundown. He has recycled
countless batteries, tons of metal and more than 2,000 tires.
Earth Rebirth (Andrew Sartain), 2014 Oklahoma Recycling Non-Profit:
This non-profit was started by Andrew while he was a student at the University of Oklahoma in 2011 and
he now serves as its Executive Director. Earth Rebirth's mission is to foster a sustainable future through
the means of social and economic evolution that provides environmental restoration. Earth Rebirth
currently focuses on food, energy and water through four core programs; Garden Your Own Growth,
Homemade Sustainability, Taking H2Ownership and the BOB, Borrow-a-Book program.
NCED Hotel and Conference Center, 2014 Oklahoma Recycling Facility:
The NCED promotes a culture of conservation with plant-friendly business choices and has identified
low-cost/no-cost ways to reduce energy use, lower vehicle petroleum fuel use, improve water
efficiency, reduce supply purchases and achieve zero waste. They operate an aggressive recycling
program which recycles cardboard, glass, plastics, paper, tin, heavy metals, cooking oil, batteries,
electronics and food scraps. The facility recycles more than three tons of plastic, aluminum and glass, at
least 23 tons of cardboard and approximately 13 tons of large metals per year. Last year, they prevented
more than 100 tons of waste from going to local landfills.
City of Elk City, 2014 Oklahoma Recycling Community:
Elk City is a shining example of how a small, rural community can make recycling a way of life. Citizens in
Elk City pay a nominal .25 cents on their water bill to enjoy single stream recycling, e-cycling, cardboard
recycling and hazardous waste recycling. They also offer multiple drop off points to make recycling
convenient. Operations Superintendent Larry Hart is a driving force behind the program, "Recycling in
Elk City is not only widely accepted, but now is expected by our citizens."
Robert Pickens, 2014 Oklahoma Professional:
Robert is a pioneer in the recycling landscape in Oklahoma. He is the general manager of Tulsa Recycle
and Transfer (TRT) with 27 years of experience in the recycling industry. He has introduced additional
container and fiber commodities to the City of Tulsa's dual stream curbside program, resulting in a 60%
increase in volume in under two years. He is also responsible for helping lead TRT's most important
recycling initiative-Mr. Murph, a $10 million material recovery facility designed to help Tulsa families
and businesses reduce their waste through recycling. Thanks to all of his efforts, Tulsa's recycling
participation is at an all time high.
Fenton Rood, 2014 Oklahoma Recycler of the Year:
Fenton is a dedicated environmentalist. By the time he was heading to college, he had already set up a
network of recycling centers and went on to establish a Sierra Club chapter at the University of
Oklahoma. He has been with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality since 1975 and
currently serves as its Director of Waste Systems Planning. Fenton was instrumental in the success of
the largest public works project ever pursued in the U.S.-the cleanup of Tar Creek. He also pioneered
bringing organic food to Oklahoma City restaurants and guided the city's Festival of the Arts to become a
sustainable, zero-landfill event. His favorite quote is borrowed from our executive director, Michael
Patton, "Environmentalism is caught, not taught."
We are very grateful and appreciative of our sponsors who make it possible to honor these diligent
stewards of recycling.
If you're interested in helping us continue our long standing tradition of honoring these individuals,
please consider a sponsorship to show your support with a donation to the 2015 America Recycles Day
Banquet! Sponsorship levels range from $500 - $5000 and individual tickets are $80. More details to
come, so stay updated at our website, metrecycle.com.
Annual M.e.t. Attendant Holiday Party
One of our favorite events of the year was the Attendant Holiday Party held on December 4th. Several
outstanding individuals were honored for their exemplary work:
Outstanding Worker Award, Michael Nees with the Bridges Foundation
Outstanding Greeter Award, Nicole Griner with Show Inc.
Coach of the Year, Robert Leaf with Home of Hope
Goggles and Gloves Award, Dena Livingston with Show, Inc.
Cleanest Site Award, Central State Community Services for the Downtown Recycling Center
Dena Livingston, Goggles and Gloves recipient, Show, Inc.
Friends, we need you!
Friends of the M.e.t., Inc.
Now, more than ever, we need your help. It’s easy to do!
Support our work by becoming a Friend of the M.e.t. Friends
of the M.e.t., Inc., which is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization,
works in conjunction with The M.e.t. There are multiple
membership levels from $10 to $100. Visit
FriendsoftheMet.com, call 918-584-0584, or email us to learn
how you can support the environment when you become a
Friend of the M.e.t.!
The M.e.t. Staff: Terrie, Gayle, Michael, Meg, Debbie and Clint wish you
and yours a joyous holiday!