Oklahoma City, OK Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Recycling cart
- One free cart per urban residence
- Eligibility
- Urban residences only, not rural
- Set-out timing
- Curb by 7 p.m. night before
- Commingling
- Keep separate from the trash cart
- Theft penalty
- Up to $750 fine, 6 months jail
Summary
Oklahoma City gives one City-issued recycling cart to each urban residence; recyclables must be set out separately from trash, curbside, on the regular pickup day: rural residences aren't served.
Recyclable material(s) may only be set out for collection by urban collection residents. The recyclable material(s) may be commingled but separately placed at the curb line in the appropriate provided cart for collection, pursuant to Section 49-41(a) unless the Superintendent designates a different location. Such recyclable material(s) should not be commingled with municipal waste. (Code 1970, § 30-9(a)—(c); Ord. No. 15910, § 1, 7-29-80; Ord. No. 16736, § 4, 6-29-82; Code 1980, § 49-25; Ord. No. 21055, § 1, 5-26-98; Ord. No. 22533, §§ 1, 2, 8-31-04; Ord. No. 26850, § 1, 9-14-21)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 49-25(f), recyclable material can only be set out for collection by urban collection residents, and it must be placed separately at the curb line in the City-issued recycling cart rather than mixed in with the trash cart. Section 49-43(a) entitles each urban household to one recycling cart, with extra carts available for a fee. Recyclables go out no earlier than 7:00 p.m. the evening before pickup and must be pulled back by 8:00 p.m. the day after, per § 49-45(b). Rural collection residences get trash service but not curbside recycling.
Violations & Fines
Taking recyclables left at curbside for City pickup is a Class B offense under § 54-111: up to 6 months in City Jail and/or a $750 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Oklahoma City address get recycling pickup?
Can I put recyclables in my trash cart instead?
What happens if someone takes recyclables from my curb?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oklahoma City
Compare Oklahoma City to another location·View the Oklahoma trash & recycling overview
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Recycling Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle recycling rules.