The Metropolitan Environmental Trust (The M.e.t.) is a non-profit governmental trust that promotes environmental responsibility by providing environmental education to the public and hosting awareness and special collection events. It also collaborates with member communities to develop, deliver, and support environmental programs and services that follow regulatory compliance, teach sound environmental practices, and reduce the solid waste stream.
The M.e.t. 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 M.e.t. opened its first recycling center. Now the M.e.t. has 9 recycling centers in 8 of its member communities.
The M.e.t. operates in cooperation with 12 member governments: the City of Tulsa, Bixby, Broken Arrow, Claremore, Collinsville, Coweta, Glenpool, Jenks, Owasso, Sand Springs, Wagoner, and Tulsa County. As a governmental trust authority, The M.e.t. receives funding from these governments to operate residential recycling drop-off locations and provide hazardous waste disposal for residents of these communities.
Our 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 provide not only recycling but also jobs. The M.e.t. employs 75 people with disabilities to staff our centers and sort recyclables.
In addition to recycling, in 1993, The M.e.t. started the first hazardous waste collection in the state and continued biannual Fairgrounds Pollutant Collection events through 2015. These events collected thousands of pounds of toxins, chemicals, fertilizers, medications, mercury, and other waste and were the largest of its kind in Oklahoma. Now, the City of Tulsa has a Household Pollutant Collection Facility to collect these items open twice a week. The M.e.t. implemented a voucher program for member communities to have access to the facility. Among this, The M.e.t. continues to educate the public about hazardous waste and the facility’s services.
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 an annual Tulsa-area recycling directory, listing all local recyclers and companies that provide recycling services.