More recyclables now accepted in ‘Little Blues’
(September 5, 2007) - Good news for Oklahoma City’s curbside recyclers: More plastic products now can be tossed into the “Little Blue” recycle bins. The recyclable list has expanded to include plastics labeled 3 through 7. In addition to plastics 1 and 2 (milk and beverage bottles) other items, including ketchup and shampoo bottles, yogurt containers, straws, plastic plates and cutlery and more, will be picked up on the weekly collection days.
“The expanded recyclable list is good news because it can help us divert more plastics from our landfills,” said Jim Linn, unit superintendent for Oklahoma City’s Solid Waste Management Division.”
The curbside-recycling list now includes:
Items labeled 3
Window cleaner, cooking oil, detergent and shampoo bottles
Items labeled 4
Squeezable bottles
Items labeled 5
Yogurt containers, straws, syrup and ketchup bottles
Items labeled 6
Plastic plates, cups, cutlery, egg cartons and carryout containers
Items labeled 7
Others or certain food product bottles – except bread sacks and plastic film shopping bags
You can check the plastic products recyclable code, usually on the bottom. Anything not on the accepted list will be left in the bin. You can toss them in the Big Blue refuse cart for the next pickup day. With smaller items going in the bins, it’s important that we not create litter. Please put small, loose items in paper sacks and place heavier items on top.
“Plastics do not degrade easily in landfills where air and sunlight are limited or non-existent, so they effectively do not decompose,” Linn said. “Oklahoma City recycles only about 3 percent of its waste. At our current rate, the local landfills could reach full capacity within the next few decades. That’s a good reason to take recycling seriously. Better yet, recycling is a great thing to do for our City, future generations and the environment.”
For a complete list of accepted recyclables or to determine if your home is eligible for recycling service, go to www.okc.gov or call 297-2833.
