About

The Metropolitan Environmental Trust got its start in 1987 as a committee charged with looking into alternatives to landfilling Tulsa’s trash. After completing studies, the Trust decided it was necessary to begin recycling operations. In 1993, the MET opened its first recycling center. Now, the MET has 13 recycling centers in 9 of its member communities.

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

Our 13 recycling centers accept a variety of recyclables, including aluminum cans, #1 and #2 plastic bottles, glass bottles, newspapers, office paper, magazines, oil, antifreeze, phone books, and batteries. These centers not only provide recycling, but also jobs. The MET employs more than 100 people with disabilities to staff centers and sort recyclables.

In addition to recycling, in 1993, the MET started the first hazardous waste collection in the state in. What began 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, fertilizers, medications, mercury and other waste.

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

The MET produces educational resources for member governments, schools and non-profits, and also provides recycling opportunities for event organizers, schools and other entities. The MET also publishes an annual recycling directory, listing all local recyclers and companies that provide recycling services.