The Metropolitan Environmental Trust got its start in 1987 as a committee charged with looking into alternatives to landfilling Tulsa’s trash. That alternative was recycling.

Over 20 years later, The M.e.t. operates in cooperation with 11 member governments: City of Tulsa, Tulsa County, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Jenks, Collinsville , Claremore, Coweta, Owasso, Glenpool and Sand Springs. As a governmental trust authority, The M.e.t. receives funding from these governments to operate residential drop-off locations and provide hazardous waste disposal for residents of these communities.

Our 12 recycling locations accept a variety of recyclables including aluminum cans, plastics #1 and #2, glass bottles, newspapers, office paper, magazines, oil, antifreeze and batteries. These centers not only provide recycling, but also jobs. The M.e.t. employs almost 100 people with disabilities to staff centers and sort recyclables.

In addition to recycling, The M.e.t. started the first hazardous waste collection event in the state. Held for the first time 15 years ago as an automotive oil and tire collection event, the semiannual Fairgrounds Pollutant Collection has grown into the largest of its kind in the state, collecting thousand of pounds of toxins, chemicals and other waste. In recent years the event has expanded to include mercury and pharmaceuticals. Approximately 10,000 households took advantage of the collection in 2007.

The M.e.t. also held the first phone book recycling event in the nation, Project ReDirectory, which is now modeled in cities across the country.

The M.e.t. produces educational resources for member governments, schools and non-profits, and also provides recycling opportunities for event organizers, schools and other entities. The M.e.t. also publishes a comprehensive recycling directory twice a year listing all local recyclers and companies that provide recycling services.