M.e.t. Frequently Asked Questions

M.e.t. Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How do I get a recycling bin for my home?
Answer: If you want to recycle at home and drop off your recyclables at a M.e.t. center, it's best to organize the items by type: Glass, plastic #1, plastic #2, aluminum, newspaper, magazine, office paper, etc. The best containers are inexpensive trash cans. Line them with a bag and when it's full of your recyclables, remove the bag and bring it to The M.e.t. Make sure you crush plastic and aluminum to save space. A small box or wastepaper basket work well for storing paper.
If you want to participate in the City of Tulsa's curbside recycling program, sign up by calling the Mayor's Action Center at 596-2100.

Question: What do I do with old latex paint?.
Answer: The average American household has 12 cans of latex or water-based paint. While it poses no serious environmental threat, many people find it difficult to dispose of leftover paint. The first answer is to use it up. When beginning a painting project, calculate the amount of paint you will need. A rule of thumb is one gallon of paint covers 300 square feet. If it is old, or unusable, the second solution is to let it completely dry and then place the cans on the curb with the rest of your household trash. In Tulsa, trash haulers will accept two cans of paint per pick up day. The lids must be removed, and the paint completely dry. A product called Waste Paint Hardener can be added to the paint to speed up the drying process. It is sold at area home stores. Remember to keep old paint and other chemicals away from children and pets. Unfortunately, there are no paint exchange programs in Tulsa.

Question: Are cereal boxes recyclable? Where can I recycle cardboard?
Answer: Cereal boxes are made with paper board which is not recyclable locally. Corrugated cardboard is highly recyclable locally with some commercial companies paying a penny per pound. Two M.e.t. centers (Broken Arrow and Sand Springs) accept corrugated cardboard. Most fast food chains and convenience stores have cardboard recycling bins behind their store and some will accept outside cardboard. Ask the staff if you can add your cardboard to theirs.

Question: What do I do with old phonebooks?
Answer: Phone books are recyclable year-round at the Central Tulsa center located at 3495 S. Sheridan.

Question: What do I do with old plastic shopping bags?
Answer: We recommend taking your own bags when you shop, but if you have a stash of plastic shopping bags at home, reuse them or return them to local stores that offer bag recycling. Both Reasor's and WalMart have bins located near the store entrance.

Question: Is all paper reyclable?
Answer: All M.e.t. centers accept newspaper, office paper and magazines. Envelopes (even with plastic windows) slick ads, colored paper and paper that has been written or drawn on are accepted too.