Big Blue Trash Collection

An OKC trash truck lifts a Big Blue trash cart with an automated side arm.

Weekly, residential Big Blue Trash Service is for regular, non-recyclable household trash such as food waste, diapers and pet waste, bagged leaves and grass clippings, clothing or textiles, and non-recyclable ceramics, glass, metals, plastics or paper trash. See the list of what we accept and what we don't in our What Goes Where database.

Set it out on time

Set it out right

  • Bag all trash and place it inside your Big Blue cart. Do not set extra bags outside the cart.
  • Place carts on top of the curb facing the street. Do not block sidewalks or place carts in the street.
  • Leave at least 3 feet of space between each cart.
  • Keep carts at least 5 feet away from mailboxes, gas meters, trees and shrubs, fire hydrants and parked cars.
  • Do not place carts on top of water meters.

Help prevent trash fires

  • Do not put flammable materials in your Big Blue cart, including pool chemicals, Lithium (Li-Ion) or (LiPo) batteries, gasoline, lighter fluid or propane tanks.
  • For used charcoal, soak it in water for 24 hours, bag it then place the bag in your cart.
  • Most chemicals and batteries can be dropped off at the City's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center.

Items Not Accepted

  • Tires, explosives, Lithium (Li-Ion or Li-Po) batteries, car batteries, brakes and other auto parts, bricks, rocks, concrete or contractor construction materials.
  • See our medications guidance on where to take back unused medications.

Missed Trash

  • Report missed collection within two business days using the Service tab at okcutilities.com. Or, call Utilities Customer Service at (405) 297-2833. If not reported within two business days, you may have to wait until the next collection cycle.

Missing or Broken Cart

  • Report missing or damaged carts at okcutilities.com. Or, call Utilities Customer Service at (405) 297-2833.
  • Cart repair generally includes on-site service for missing wheels, lids and handles.
  • Repairs or replacements are typically completed within three business days. Leave damaged carts where they are visible from the street. 
  • We do not replace carts unless one is missing or broken beyond repair.

Order an Extra Cart

We get it. Two Big Blues and one Big Green may not be enough. If you need an extra cart (or two!), you may order up to two additional Big Blue trash carts and one Big Green recycling cart (up to six carts total) for an additional monthly fee per cart.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size trash bags should I use?

Any heavy-duty bag 30-gallons or smaller is fine to use. Fill them to less than 75 pounds each.

Can I set out bags alongside my Big Blue cart or with my bulky trash?

No. Please put all bags inside your Big Blue cart. Do NOT set them next to carts or set them out with your monthly bulky waste. This includes all bags for yard waste, grass clippings and leaves. 

You can take excess bagged waste to the landfills during City's two free landfill days. 

If you need an extra cart, you may order one for a small monthly fee. Use the Service tab at okcutilities.com to order one. DO NOT use your Big Green recycling cart for regular household trash.

Why did the City stop collecting bags outside of carts or with bulky waste?

The goal to stop collecting bags placed outside of carts or with bulky waste was part of the Utilities Department's long-term strategic plan developed in 2016. The Covid pandemic sped up that transition. New truck technology lets crews work more efficiently and more safely while staying in their vehicles. Since ending loose‑bag collection, we have increased the instances of trucks being out of neighborhoods before the stated time of 5 p.m., and have decresed significantly the number of employee injuries. Our bulky waste truck claws also can’t safely pick up bags because they tear easily, which risks spreading trash out in customers' yards.

Our goal is to collect trash efficiently, minimize employee injuries, and keep crews out of neighborhoods by the end of the workday.

Customers who have excess trash, including bagged leaves, are encouraged to order an extra blue cart for a small monthly fee. Carts can be ordered using the Utilities Customer Service portal at okcutilities.com, or by calling Customer Service at (405) 297-2833.

 

 

If you have extra trash, including bagged leaves, you can request an additional blue cart for a small monthly fee at okcutilities.com or by calling Customer Service at (405) 297‑2833.

 

My Big Blue stinks! Will you wash it for me?

The City does not provide cart cleaning service.

We recommend hosing out your cart from time to time with medium pressure, using a gentle, biodegradable detergent. Do not use bleach or chlorine. Rinse and dump excess water into your lawn. Do not dump excess water into the street, where chemicals could wash into the City's stormwater drainage system.

Commercial cart-cleaning services are also available locally.

I am moving. Should I take my carts with me?

No.Carts are assigned to each residential household and not people. If you move out, leave your carts at the residence you are moving out of. If you do not have carts at the new residence, use the Service tab at okcutilities.com or call Utilities Customer Service at (405) 297-2833 to order more.

Can I use my own trash cart/can?

No. Our automated collection trucks are fit to handle carts the size and configuration of our Big Blue and Big Green carts. We cannot be held liable for damage caused to carts not owned by the City.

Can a contractor use my Big Blue cart for remodeling or landscape waste?

No. Big Blue carts and the City's bulky waste program are for residential household trash only. Waste from DIY projects is fine, but contractor and construction waste must be removed by your contractor or a private hauler.

 

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