Tulsa residents prepare for new trash and recycling program

TULSA - Many Tulsa residents are embracing the city's new trash and recycling system, although they have many questions about how the new system works.

Nancy Laughrey hopes the new system will encourage more people to recycle, but she's confused about what she has to do with her yard waste.

"Today I had refuse from the yard and I didn't know if I could put in in the trash can like I've always done or I have to tie it up," she said.

City of Tulsa spokeswoman Liz Hunt says all yard waste and trash can be put in to the cart. Extra waste has to be placed in separate bags with the appropriate stickers attached to them.

"That material will need to be tagged with either a refuse or green waste stickers available for purchase at area QT locations," she said. "This week customers will receive mail which will include 10 complimentary refuse stickers."

Additional stickers will be available at QTs starting this weekend at 50 cents each.

The new program will go into effect Oct. 1, although the city has not yet passed an ordinance explaining the details.

"Currently city legal is working on creating ordinances and finalizing those ordinances to present to council," Hunt said. "I don’t believe they will be ready in time for the initial launch of the program but within a few short weeks they will be ready."

Hunt says customers had notice in advance telling them about the changes.