The Lost Creek Recycling Center recently completed a three-year project expanding its facilities and modernizing its capabilities. (Photo: William Swaim | Wyandotte Nation)

The Wyandotte Nation’s Lost Creek Recycling Center opened a tour for employees on Tuesday after completing a three-year project to expand its facilities and modernize its capabilities. The Lost Creek Recycling Center, 4 Lost Creek Drive in Wyandotte, opened in 2013.

The Environmental Protection Agency awarded the Wyandotte Nation a Solid Waste for Infrastructure Grant for the project, which was designed to strengthen the Nation’s recycling infrastructure, increase collection capacity, improve operational efficiency, and provide additional recycling opportunities for tribal citizens and the surrounding community. EPA Project Officer Jason Walker joined Wyandotte Nation staff for the tour.

“As the Tribe has continued to grow, we needed to grow too,” said Kathy Welch, Environmental Program Manager for the Wyandotte Nation, during the tour.

The project includes the recently completed construction of a 1,750-square-foot addition to the existing recycling center, site improvements, upgraded lighting and ventilation, new recycling equipment, and additional public recycling collection bins.

In addition, Wyandotte Nation Planning and Natural Resources Director Christen Lee said there is a covered collection area to make recycling more convenient and accessible year-round, and the grant will also fund an additional full-time Recycling Technician position to support daily recycling operations and expanded services.

Together, these improvements will help the Wyandotte Nation divert more recyclable materials from landfills, reduce environmental impacts, and continue building a cleaner, healthier community through expanded recycling and environmental education efforts.

The Lost Creek Recycling Center will be holding a Tire Collection Event July 6-10. We accept car, pickup, truck, school bus, and tractor tires (up to 48 and no rims). No large off-road equipment, forklift, or backhoe tires. NOTE: We do not take tires from the 4-state area tire shops or independent dealers.

For more information, contact Kathy Welch at (918) 678-6335 or Curtis Broderick at (918) 678-6352.