City Of Tulsa Recycling Inspectors Report High Contamination Rates

The City of Tulsa has 10 inspectors checking recycling carts, after an increase in the amount of trash ending up in the recycling processing plant. A fire there shut down the system for a year. Since it restarted, the hauler has reported contamination rates as high as 40-percent.

Some loads have been diverted to the incinerator plant because they were too contaminated.

The inspectors start walking the recycling routes before the trucks arrive, checking as many carts as they can each day. They’re looking for items that shouldn’t be in there – like plastic bags, or food containers with food still in them.

“A lot of people think with the grease a pizza box won't be taken, but a little grease isn't too bad,” said Josh Noel, a community engagement coordinator with the city.

Inspectors leave behind tags on carts with trash in them, with the problematic items listed and highlighted. Inspectors return to the same spots several times and repeat tagging can lead to the hauler removing the cart.

The city has 119,000 recycling customers and intends to eventually check every cart at least once.

The city asks people to limit what they put in the cart to glass and plastic bottles, aluminum and steel cans, and paper and cardboard.

Click here for a complete list.