Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the most commonly asked questions we receive each week.
If you’d like to ask a question that isn’t listed, e-mail us or find us on Facebook.
Why can I only recycle #1 and #2 plastic bottles?
Why do the plastics have to have a neck or handle?
Aren’t plastic cups recyclable?
I recycle my water bottles. What else is recyclable?
Do I need to wash the bottles?
Do I need to take off the lids?
Where can I recycle plastic bags?
Where can I recycle paper bags?
Why can’t I recycle steel cans in Tulsa?
What do I do with latex paint?
Why can I only recycle #1 and #2 plastic bottles?
There are currently no processors in Oklahoma that can handle plastics 3-7. With no market for 3-7 in Oklahoma, we cannot accept them. However, we anticipate that we will be able to accept them in the future, as several companies are opening up MRFs (material recovery facilities) in the area, and the possibility of a much larger, citywide curbside program. An expanded curbside program will create the quantities needed to sustain the processing of all plastics.
Why do the plastics have to have a neck or handle? and Aren’t plastic cups recyclable?
Tulsa-area processors turn plastic bottles and containers into more bottles, and they have to have bottle-grade plastic to make it. Strawberry containers and plastic cups are different grades of plastic, even if they are #1 or #2, and can’t be used in the process because they melt at different temperatures and it would weaken the other plastics.
I recycle my water bottles. What else is recyclable?
Our plastics have to have either a neck or a handle. They don’t have to have both. Sometimes the neck or handle are disguised. Plastic coffee containers have an indention for a handle, and it has a small neck for the lid. Other containers like laundry detergent bottles and milk jugs are recyclable, too.
If you can unscrew a lid or hold a handle, you can recycle it (as long as it’s a #1 or #2).
Do I need to wash the bottles?
We ask that you rinse out the bottles if they have soda, milk, or other sticky liquids in them. You don’t have to spend a lot of time washing them out; just a quick rinse will usually do.
Where can I recycle plastic bags?
Many stores, including Reasor’s, Wal-Mart and Target take back plastic bags. The Cherry Street Farmers’ Market and Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma also accept them. We recommend that you take your own reusable, canvas bag for shopping. Then you don’t have to worry about recycling them!
Where can I recycle paper bags?
Many paper bags have a wax coating that can’t be removed when recycling, and by the time the paper has been made into that bag, it has been recycled several times and is near the end of its lifecycle (paper can only be recycled so many times before the fibers become too small). They cannot be recycled, but they can be reused. The Cherry Street Farmers’ Market, Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, Goodwill and other charities usually need paper bags to hand out food or clothing. We recommend that you take your own reusable, canvas bag for shopping. Then you don’t have to worry about recycling them!
Why Can’t I Recycle Steel Cans in Tulsa?
Residential trash in the City of Tulsa goes to the waste-to-energy plant for incineration. The plant is equipped with a magnetic arm that sucks all the steel out after the trash has been burned. The steel is then recycled. Don’t worry about throwing away steel cans—they’re automatically being recycled for you! Some of the MET Centers in outlying communities accept steel cans because their trash goes to the landfill instead of the waste-to-energy plant.
What do I do with latex paint?
Before disposing of your paint, determine whether it is still usable. If it is, use up the rest of the paint you have. Paint a fence, a dog house, the trim on your house, your garage, or give it to someone who can use it. High school art and drama programs often need paint for various projects, as do local theatre companies. Chances are you can find someone who can use it instead of throwing it away.
Latex paint is water-based and not hazardous. To dispose of latex paint, remove the lid and let it dry out. Use kitty litter or shredded newspaper to speed up the process. Once it is completely dry, set it by the curb with the lid off, next to your regular trash. Note: If you use a private company for trash service, call ahead and make sure they will pick it up.
