Puzzled by Plastics? We'll Help You Sort it Out!
Published on October 16, 2025
Puzzled by plastics? You're not alone.
All those numbers and symbols and different plastic types can make things seem overwhelming, leaving you feeling confused, and let's face it, just a bit perplexed.
That's why when it comes to plastic, simple is best!
Focus on quality, not quantity.
Throw in only what you know can be recycled. If you’re not certain that an item can be recycled in OKC and you don't have time to check online, it’s best to toss it in the trash.
This helps to cut down on contamination and ensure the items you do put in your Big Green cart get a new life.
Recycle by Room
One easy trick is to focus on the rooms where you use specific types of plastics - like your kitchen, bathroom and utility room. Here are a few items to think about:
Kitchen: Water and soda bottles, plastic milk bottles, yogurt containers, sour cream, cottage cheese and margarine tubs, clear berry boxes (padding removed), ketchup, mayonnaise and salad dressing bottles, and under-sink items such as dishwashing detergent bottles.
Bathroom: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion bottles
Utility Room: Laundry detergent containers, household bleach bottles and spray bottles with basic household cleaners
Focusing on function makes it easier to remember.
And as always, make sure ALL recyclables are clean, dry and loose in your cart. While a little product may remain on the inside, try to get the plastics as empty as possible.
But what about the garage?
Plastic containers such as those that hold motor oil, lubricants, paint thinners and other toxic substances don’t belong in your recycling cart. If they’re empty, toss them in your Big Blue trash cart. If they still contain fluids, take them to the City’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center for safe disposal. (For a full list of accepted household hazardous items, visit okc.gov/hhw.)
By recycling right, you help protect the environment, divert reusable goods away from our landfills, and keep valuable plastics in the recycling stream.