BROKEN ARROW, Okla. Sept. 9, 2020 - The City of Broken Arrow is excited to announce recycling cart distribution will begin this month in preparation for the launch of its curbside recycling and trash cart program.  More than 32,000 recycling carts will be delivered to homes this month. Collection service for trash and recycling is set to begin October 5^th.  

All Broken Arrow households will convert to a cart for trash service, and more than 90 % opted in to begin curbside recycling. The curbside recycling system allows for all Broken Arrowians to make more responsible choices with their household waste and collect more than 9 million pounds of new recyclables. 

“The introduction of recycling to Broken Arrow’s refuse program demonstrates the City’s commitment to high quality and sustainable municipal programming,” said City Manager Michael Spurgeon. “Our sanitation department has provided excellent customer service for years and we are excited to continue that high standard as we expand our services.”  

Residents are encouraged to practice their sorting now. The new recycling program will accept paper, plastic, metal, and glass in curbside recycling carts.  

Some items that cannot be recycled include plastic bags, paper towels, electrical equipment (including cords), batteries, and clothing. These items often get placed into recycling carts because of “wishcycling,” or the wish that they can be recycled.  But well-intentioned, non-recyclable items cause serious issues in recycling facilities including equipment malfunction, unsafe work conditions, and the possibility of fires. 

If residents initially opted out of recycling, and would like to add a recycling cart, they are able to do so by contacting the City after our initial transition period ends on Nov. 30. 

Following the beginning of service, the City will begin a recycling education campaign focusing on ensuring items placed in the blue recycling cart are able to be processed and made into new products.  

Financial support for the more than 32,000 recycling carts and educational materials, as well as technical assistance for education efforts, is provided in part by The Recycling Partnership, a national nonprofit focused on transform recycling for good in states, cities and communities nationwide 

“We are excited to see the City of Broken Arrow make it easier for residents to recycle by providing new, lidded, rolling recycling carts,” said Chris Coady, Director of Community Programs at The Recycling Partnership. “We want to thank the American Beverage Association for helping fund this important initiative to increase recycling access and education that aids in supporting local jobs, saving taxpayers money, protecting the environment, and providing valuable feedstock for the manufacture of new products.” 

For more specifics of what can be recycled and to find your collection day, please visit RecycleBA.com.