The Metropolitan Environmental Trust

About us

The Metropolitan Environmental Trust (The M.e.t.) is a non-profit governmental trust that promotes environmental responsibility by providing environmental education to the public and hosting awareness and special collection events. It also collaborates with member communities to develop, deliver, and support environmental programs and services that follow regulatory compliance, teach sound environmental practices, and reduce the solid waste stream.

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 10 recycling centers in 8 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 10 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 75 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 and continued biannual Fairgrounds Pollutant Collection events through the year 2015. These events collected thousands of pounds of toxins, chemicals, fertilizers, medications, mercury and other waste and was the largest of its kind in the state of Oklahoma. Now, the City of Tulsa has a Household Pollutant Collection Facility to collect items twice a week. The M.e.t. implemented a voucher program for member communities to have access to the facility. Among this, The M.e.t. continues to educate the public about hazardous waste and the facility’s services.

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. also publishes an annual recycling directory, listing all local recyclers and companies that provide recycling services.