Sierra Vista wins national award for "Trash Do's and Don'ts" outreach video

Sierra Vista city staff received an Award of Excellence from the National City/County Marketing and Communications Association on Oct. 23 for a video titled "Trash Do's and Don'ts," officials said during the meeting.

City staff said the primary video and several short companion clips together reached about 40,000 views on Facebook and generated broadly positive engagement. The project was led by Summer Hamm, management analyst in public works, with videography and editing by Ben Bridal and on-screen contributions from local actor Pablo Arciniega. The video focuses on correct approaches to curbside trash and aims to reduce customer service complaints and improper disposal.

Presenters credited refuse staff participation — including former refuse supervisor Bob Butterworth and interim refuse supervisor/driver Joe Dyer — and said the short clips addressed related issues such as fats, oils and grease recycling at the city Compost Center. Staff encouraged residents to recycle cooking fats rather than pour them down sinks, noting the Compost Center converts collected fats to biodiesel fuel rather than allowing them to clog pipes.

City officials said the local chapter of communications and public works will notify participants when the national award presentation date is scheduled.

Speakers at the meeting repeatedly framed the video as a practical education tool intended to reduce routine service problems and improve trust between residents and city services.