Pictured from left to right: Cindy Riley – Shawnee Tribe Environmental Manager, Joe Hooper – Muscogee Creek Nation Recycling Technician, Amy – Muscogee Creek Nation Environmental Dept., James Williams – Muscogee Creek Nation Director of Environmental Services, Randy Gee – Environmental protection Agency Region 6.
On November 15, Shawnee Tribe’s Environmental Manager, Cindy Riley, participated in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s recycling event to explore new ways of collecting and processing materials—from electronics and batteries to tires, and many more items—and to bring those best practices back to our own tribal community.
Key takeaways:
- Expand the types of items we accept at drop-off points (e-waste, batteries, cardboard).
- Boost community education about Recycle Right – knowing what belongs in the bin and what doesn’t.
- Improve access and infrastructure: clear signage, standardized containers, community-wide collection events.
Next steps:
- We are currently applying for a grant that would allow for expanded services for e-waste, which is one of the fastest-growing solid waste streams in the world.
- We have a plan in place to expand our recycling program to include one e-waste receptacle for the 2026 fiscal year.
Together, we can grow our program, increase participation, and strengthen our stewardship of the environment.