It’s a battle with a win-win outcome. If you want your favorite Durant policeman or fireman to be on the team with bragging rights, though, it’s time to clean up.

The Red (Durant Fire and Rescue) will be taking on the Blue (Durant Police Department) during the Great American Cleanup Recycling Contest. Everyone is invited to the kickoff celebration at 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 15, in the old Goody’s parking lot off Radio Road in Durant. Fun activities and free hot dogs are on the agenda.

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is partnering with the police and fire departments, the City of Durant, Durant Solid Waste and the Durant Chamber of Commerce to raise awareness and involvement in recycling.

“By recycling, we help turn the items we are through using into new items,” said Chief Gregory E. Pyle. “It reduces the waste in our landfills. It saves energy and it conserves natural resources. The effort to improve our environment will have significant long-term results.”

Each department will have its own recycling bin, clearly marked. There will be two drop-off locations – the old Goody’s Store parking lot on the east side of the building and at 1415 W. Main St. At the end of the contest, the total recyclable materials will be tallied and the winner will be announced May 31 at the Magnolia Festival.

For more information about the contest which will run through May 10, please call Tracy Horst, director of the Choctaw Nation Recycling Center, at 920-0488.

Spring is a great time to reduce clutter and recycle – rescue your home from all the chaos by joining the Red vs. Blue challenge.