The Metropolitan Environmental Trust

The Metropolitan Environmental Trust (The M.e.t.) got its start in 1987 as a committee charged with looking into alternatives to land filling 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 12 recycling centers in 9 of its member communities.
The M.e.t. 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 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 12 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 M.e.t. employs more than 100 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. What began as an automotive oil and tire collection event, became our biannual Fairgrounds Pollutant Collection event. Each year, this event collects thousands of pounds of toxins, chemicals, fertilizers, medications, mercury and other waste. It has become one of the largest of it’s kind in the state of Oklahoma.
The M.e.t. also held the first phone book recycling event in the nation, Project ReDirectory, which is now modeled in cities across the country.
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. publishes an annual recycling directory, listing all local recyclers and companies that provide recycling services.

Mission Statement

The Trust shall develop and implement integrated and comprehensive solid waste management systems through cooperative efforts of participating governments.  The systems shall be environmentally sound, financially feasible, operationally efficient, and shall meet the long-range needs of the beneficiaries.

Recycling

The M.e.t. operates 13 recycling centers in the Tulsa area, loans recycling bins to events and non-profit organizations, helps affiliated communities promote their own centers, and provides a recycling directory for residents. Our main goal is to educate citizens on recycling and the environment. To learn more about where you can recycle in Tulsa, visit our Centers page or search our recycling Directory for more resources for recycling.

Electronic Waste

Some forms of e-waste cost a lot more to safely dispose of, so we now require anyone dropping off those items to help cover the cost of the safe and environmentally-friendly disposal.Acceptable for a Small Fee:
These items are costly to safely dispose of so we require that anyone wishing to drop these items off at one of our centers help cover the cost of disposal by paying online here. 

• monitors (CRT only)
• Televisions (Starting February 4th, 2016)

Currently we CANNOT accept:

• air conditioners
• large appliances
• items over 40 lbs.
• light bulbs
• refrigerators

Overview of Electronic Waste

Never has there been something so expensive that decreases in value so quickly: electronics. In 2005 the USEPA estimated that up 1.9 million tons of unused or unwanted electronics were sent to landfills while only 345,000 to 379,000 tons were recycled. By filling up our landfills, large amounts of toxic materials can be released into the environment.The famous phrase, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” applies to Electronic Waste as well. The first step to reduce electronic waste happens before the equipment is purchased. Reuse functioning equipment by donating or selling it to someone who will use it. And if all else fails, recycle it. As always this will help to preserve our precious environment.

What is e-waste?
E-waste, or Electronic Waste, is an informal name that can be defined as electronic products and equipment that are near the end of their useful life. This could include computers, televisions, printers, copiers, scanners, VCRS, phones and more. Since there is no clear definition of e-waste sometimes microwave ovens, irons and similar household “appliances” are included in this category. When these products are no longer used or simply unwanted they should be considered for re-purposing, refurbishing or recycling.
How to prevent e-waste
Before you even decide to purchase an electronic device or equipment, consider the facts that ultimately will affect recyclability and efficiency of it. One should try to buy equipment with fewer environmental effects that will last longer. To evaluate a potential electronic purchase for green features look for these qualities:

• reduced toxic content
• greater recycled content
• higher energy efficiency
• longer life expectancy
• replaceable parts that are readily available
• easy upgrade-ability
• features that make recycling easier when it is eventually necessary
• Look for the Energy Star label on products like washers, TVs, heating and cooling systems. The USEPA 

Finally recycle e-waste
There are multiple reasons to recycle e-waste. Most importantly is to preserve our natural resources! Keeping valuable materials from going into the waste stream is prevented by recycling and is essential in maintaining a healthy planet. Also many computer, TV, cell phone manufacturers and electronic retailers offer some kind of take back program. This is another fact to consider before purchasing electronic equipment that could even help you save money.