The Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma is committed to using sound scientific methods and a stewardship based approach to aid policymakers in making informed decisions to effectively us the Tribe's natural resources and protect the health of the Modoc Tribal members, both individually and collectively. The primary mission of the Modoc Tribe Office of Environmental Quality (OEQ) is to establish its presence within the environmental community, accurately assess the Tribe's environment, and establish the necessary legal infrastructure to regulate the Tribe's environment and protect the Tribe's sovereignty. By doing so, the Tribe will be able to preserve and protect the land and health of its People. |
Did You Know? |
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Red Cedar Recycling Temporarily Closed (as of 7/24/2011)
Due to the recent fire, Red Cedar Recycling will be closed until further notice. We hope that you will consider the environment and continue to recycle.
All recyclables at this time can be delivered to the City of Miami Recycling Center located at 1117 W. Veterans Blvd. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we continue to move forward.
Red Cedar Recycling opened in 1996 and is a subsidiary of Medcorp, Inc., both owned and operated by the Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma. The mission of Red Cedar Recycling is to promote and provide recycling opportunities within the community, as well as educate the public on the importance of recycling and its impact on our environment.
Currently operating with a staff of five full time employees, Red Cedar Recycling processes an average of 375 tons of recycable materials per year. Services provided to the community include commericial pick-up of recycables, recycling education to local schools, civic groups, clubs and organizations and two drop-off facilities which are located at 204 D Street NE and 1117 Veterans Blvd, both in Miami, OK. Red Cedar Recycling is proud to offer community wide celebrations such as Earth Day, America Recycles Day and scrap tire collection events.
For nearly fifteen years, Red Cedar Recycling has been working tirelessly to increase recycling opportunities and awareness. Over the years, Red Cedar Recycling has witnessed an increase in the amount of recyclables and continue to search for better ways to improve the overall goals for the future.
We're living in a time when health and welfare of our planet is of increasing interest and concern. Even with the distraction in recent years of world events, the resolve to protect and preserve our resources has not faded. It's about a sustainable future for each of us. Recycling is one of THE BEST ways you can contribute to the community and create a cleaner, healthier environment.
To find out more about the items that we accept or to contact us directly, please click here for more information....
| Material | October | November | December |
| Cardboard | 35,980 | 30,280 | 29,320 |
| Newspaper | 5,200 | 3,250 | 5,230 |
| Office Waste/Junk Mail | 4,120 | 1,200 | 3,935 |
| Magazines | 820 | 2,140 | 1,080 |
| Plastic Bottles/Jugs | 2,340 | 2,040 | 2,620 |
| Aluminum Cans | 0 | 200 | 0 |
| Tin/Steel Cans | 580 | 800 | 620 |
| Glass | 620 | 1,900 | 2,520 |
| Combined Totals | 49,660 | 41,810 | 43,325 |
Learn About Risk From Radon
You can’t see, smell, or taste radon, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of about 20,000 Americans each year. In fact, the EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools, and other buildings for radon. Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk, and testing radon levels in your home can help prevent unnecessary exposure. If a high radon level is detected in your home, you can take steps to fix the problem to protect yourself and your family. If you are an enrolled Modoc Tribal Member living in Ottawa County of Oklahoma and would be interested in having your home tested for radon please call the Modoc Tribe Office of Environmental Quality at 918-542-8176.
Indoor Air Quality, Should you be concerned?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a term used to describe the level of air pollution in homes and other indoor air spaces. Indoor air pollutants are chemical, physical, or biological pollutants such as second hand smoke, chemicals in carpeting and treated wood, paint gases, mold a dust mites, among others. When these pollutants are present in high concentrations, they put our health at risk.
Most people spend half their lives inside their homes. Have you ever stopped to think about whether the air your breathing when indoors is healthy? The air inside can be more harmful to your families health than the air outdoors.
It is not always easy to tell if your home has poor air quality. You may notice bad smells or see smoke, but you cannot see or smell other dangers, like carbon monoxide and radon.
Ensuring healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) by minimizing indoor air pollutants is important. Poor IAQ can have serious repercussions on an individual’s health. Children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible to pollutant exposure. Health effects include respiratory problems (including asthma), chronic fatigue, headaches and cancer. In rare cases of chronic toxic pollutant exposure, neurological, reproductive and developmental problems can result.
Signs of possible home indoor air quality problems:
1. Unusual and noticeable, odors, stale or stuffy air
2. Noticeable lack of air movement
3. Dirty or faulty central heating and/or air conditioning equipment
4. Damaged flue pipes or chimneys
5. Excessive humidity or condensation
6. Tightly constructed or remodeled homes
7. Feeling noticeably healthier outside the home
8. Presence of mold
9. Health reaction inside the home, especially after remodeling, weatherizing, installing new furniture, using household or hobby products or moving into a new home.
Educational materials focused on select indoor air quality issues have been created by the Modoc Tribe Office of Environmental Quality. For information on the following:
Asthma Triggers, Mold and Moisture, Carbon Monoxide, Radon, Lead, Second Hand Smoke
2010 Environmental Excellence Award
On November 19 The Modoc Tribe (Red Cedar Recycling), City of Miami and Ottawa County 4-H clubs teamed up to promote recycling by staging a collection event in celebration of America Recycles Day. Stickers, buttons, pencils, bookmarks as well as popcorn and drinks were distributed during the event. Citizens were given the opportunity to make a pledge towards recycling goals and to learn more about the recycling opportunities within the community. The recycling efforts of the Modoc Tribe and the City of Miami have created a buzz in other communities with recent visits from the City of Stillwater, City of Tahlequah, and the Choctaw Nation. “It is a fairly rare experience to walk away from a visit feeling impressed with all that was seen and learned” said former Mayor of Tahlequah Ken Purdy. More than a celebration, America Recycles Day is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting recycling in the United States. It’s one day to inform and educate, one day to get our neighbors, friends and community leaders excited about what can be accomplished when we all work together, one day to make recycling bigger and better 365 days a year.
