Three Easy Steps to Recycling Right

Published on September 15, 2025

Cardboard, empty plastic bottles, cans and newspapers sit loose in a Big Green recycling cart.

Three Easy Steps to Recycling Right

Recycling right isn’t always easy, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Instead of guessing what’s recyclable, it’s better to keep it simple and stick to the basics. Right now, about 30% of what ends up in OKC’s recycling carts is contamination, meaning items that aren’t accepted or simply can't be recycled. The more contamination there is, the harder it is for our recycling program to work effectively.

Follow these three simple steps to ensure you’re recycling right.

1: Know What Goes in Your Cart 

In Oklahoma City, we have six core things that we accept:

  • Paper (office paper, mailers, etc.)
  • Metal Cans (aluminum and steel)
  • Paperboard (paper cartons)
  • Household plastic bottles and jugs
  • Cardboard (flattened)
  • Glass Bottles and Jars

When recycling, keep in mind…If it’s not part of the six, keep it out of the mix!

2: Keep It Empty, Clean, and Dry

One leaky item can ruin an entire batch of recyclables. For example, liquids left in bottles or containers can soak paper and cardboard, making them impossible to recycle.

Before placing items in the cart:

  • Rinse out bottles, cans, and jars to remove leftover food or liquids.
  • Let them dry before tossing them in the green cart.
  • Break down cardboard boxes to save space and keep them dry.

Taking just a few seconds to clean your recyclables makes a big impact. It helps keep OKC’s recycling stream clean and ensures that more material is actually recycled instead of being trashed

3: When in Doubt, Throw It Out

It’s tempting to toss questionable items in the recycling cart with the hope that they’ll get sorted out later. This is called "wish cycling" and often causes more harm than good.

Unaccepted items, such as plastic bags or garden hoses, can jam our recycling machines and cause production to stop, increasing our processing costs. If you’re not sure whether something is recyclable in OKC, it’s better to throw it in the trash than risk contaminating the whole cart.

If you want to go the extra mile, look for local businesses that accept hard-to-recycle items such as batteries, textiles, electronics, or plastic bags. Many retailers offer take-back programs for these items. You can find a list of many items on our website.

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