Recycling continues to be in high demand in Claremore.

This week city leaders voted to renew their yearly contract for counseling services with the Metropolitan Environmental Trust.

"The cost increase this year, which is typical, is two percent over what it was last year," said City Engineer Garrett Ball of the $35,000 contract. "The majority of that goes to paying the folks from Home of Hope that do the actual work."

City council member Will DeMier said he feels the price is a worthwhile investment.

"I think its well worth the money. If you ever go there, you'll see it probably should actual be larger," DeMier said. "There's an enormous amount of material that goes through there."

Jim Thomas told the council that "Claremore is one of the top communities in terms of recycling."

He said Claremore recycles more cardboard and bottles than Broken Arrow, despite being significantly smaller in population.

In fiscal year 2017-2017, Claremore recycled 1.1 million pounds of cardboard, paper, glass, plastics, metal, e-waste and batteries, and 3,500 gallons of oils.

Claremore is one of eight communities splitting the cost of M.E.T local operations.

About 10 Home of Hope employees work at the Claremore Recycling center throughout the week, sorting recyclables, bailing them, and then delivering them to the regional recycling plant in Tulsa.

Claremore Public Works Director Jonah Humes said this program benefits Claremore in multiple ways: keeping streets and waterways clean and providing a place for people with disabilities to earn a living.