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, email us or find us on Facebook.
Why can I only recycle #1 and #2 plastic bottles at The M.e.t.?
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 recycled at The M.e.t. 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.
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.
Do I need to take off the lids?
If you live in Tulsa and use the curbside program, the City would like the lids left on the bottles as it works better for their processing. For MET recycling drop-off centers around town, please remove the lids. For any other programs, please refer to their documentation.
Where can I recycle plastic bags?
All of our centers accept dry, clean, plastic bags. Stores such as Reasor’s, Food Pyramid, Lowe’s, Target and Walmart also have collection boxes for plastic bags.
Where can I recycle paper bags?
Take your paper bags to Shredders, Inc. located at 635 W. 41st St., Tulsa. 918-446-8386
Can I recycle steel cans at The M.e.t.?
You can recycle steel cans at our centers outside of Tulsa: Bixby, Broken Arrow, Claremore, Collinsville, Coweta, Glenpool, Jenks, and Sand Springs. Steel cans are not accepted at our Tulsa centers because the City of Tulsa accepts steel cans in their recycling bins.