Recycling
RECYCLING SERVICES IN BARTLESVILLE
The City of Bartlesville has partnered with Cherokee Area Council No. 469, Scouting America, to support and expand local recycling opportunities for residents.
Through this partnership, residents have access to convenient recycling drop-off services in Bartlesville, including collection areas for plastics, paper, cardboard, metals, glass and plastic bags.
RECYCLING DROP-OFF LOCATIONS
RECYCLING CENTER
Cherokee Area Council Recycling Center
520 S. Quapaw
Bartlesville, OK 74003
ACCEPTS:
- Plastics (#1, #2 and #5)
- Aluminum cans
- Steel cans
- Cardboard
- Paper
- Clothing, shoes and purses
GLASS & PLASTIC BAG DROP-OFF
1128 Adams Recycling & Activity Center
1128 Adams Blvd.
Bartlesville, OK 74003
ACCEPTS:
- Glass
- Plastic shopping bags
Both sites are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for recycling drop-offs.
The City of Bartlesville has partnered with Cherokee Area Council No. 469, Scouting America, to support and expand local recycling opportunities for residents. The Cherokee Area Council Recycling Center is located at 520 S. Quapaw Ave.
PREPARING RECYCLABLE MATERIALS
Proper preparation helps keep the recycling program efficient and reduces contamination.
Cardboard
- Flatten or break down boxes before recycling.
- Cardboard should be no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet.
- Cardboard must be clean. Boxes with grease, oil or food stains (such as pizza boxes) cannot be accepted because these contaminants could ruin an entire batch of recyclables.
Paper
Accepted paper products include:
- Office paper
- Newspaper
- Packing paper
Please keep paper clean and dry whenever possible.
Plastics
Accepted plastics (bottles and thermoform containers) include #1, #2 and #5 plastics. Look for the recycling number on the item to help determine whether it is accepted.
Aluminum
Aluminum cans and containers are accepted. Empty and rinse containers before recycling.
Glass
Glass bottles and food containers are accepted at the 1128 Adams Recycling & Activity Center, located across the street from the Cherokee Area Council Recycling Center. Please remove contents and caps/lids before dropping them off (labels are OK to leave on). All colors of glass are accepted.
Plastic Bags
Clean and usable plastic shopping bags are accepted at the 1128 Adams Recycling & Activity Center, located across the street from the Cherokee Area Council Recycling Center.
Collected bags are provided to Agape Mission for use in its Food-for-Kids Program, which helps provide weekend food assistance to local students.
This does not include plastic packaging, pet food bags, plastic mailers, etc.
The 1128 Adams Recycling & Activity Center serves as a drop-off location for glass and plastic shopping bags.
ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP
The partnership between the City of Bartlesville and Cherokee Area Council No. 469 was developed following the closure of the City's former recycling center earlier this year. The City began exploring alternatives to maintain local recycling opportunities and identified an opportunity to build upon the services already being provided by the Scouts.
Under the agreement, the City is providing financial support and infrastructure improvements to help sustain and expand recycling services, including site improvements, signage, grant assistance, public education, and other support measures.
The partnership is intended to strengthen local recycling efforts while providing residents with convenient and reliable recycling options.
Future Growth
The partnership has already expanded recycling opportunities within the community through additional collection services and expanded drop-off options. The City and Cherokee Area Council will continue evaluating opportunities for future improvements and additional services.
LEARN MORE
Additional information about the recycling program is available through the Cherokee Area Council's recycling webpage.
For further information, contact the Cherokee Area Council at 918.336.9170 or email Summer.Lamb@scouting.org.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Where can I recycle in Bartlesville?
Residents may drop off recyclable materials at the Cherokee Area Council Recycling Center, located at 520 S. Quapaw, and at the 1128 Adams Recycling & Activity Center directly across the street (1128 Adams Blvd.)
Is the recycling site open to the public?
Yes. Both locations are available for residents to drop off accepted recyclable materials.
What does it cost to recycle?
There is no fee for residents to use the recycling drop-off site.
What happened to the City's former recycle center?
The City's former recycling center closed after the third-party vendor that operated the service ended its agreement with the City. The City then began exploring alternatives to maintain local recycling opportunities, ultimately partnering with Cherokee Area Council No. 469. The former recycling center site is closed and will likely be repurposed for another use.
Why is the City partnering with the Scouts?
The partnership allows recycling services to continue locally while building on an existing recycling program. The City is providing support through funding, infrastructure improvements, promotion, and grant assistance to help sustain and expand the service.
Is this a permanent program?
The current agreement, approved in September 2026, is for one year. During that time, the City and Cherokee Area Council will evaluate the program and explore future opportunities.
ACCEPTED MATERIALS
What items can I recycle?
Materials accepted through the Bartlesville recycling program vary by location. See the "Recycling Drop-Off Locations" section above for a complete list of accepted materials and drop-off locations.
What types of paper are accepted?
Accepted paper products include:
- Office paper
- Newspaper
- Packing paper
What types of plastic are accepted?
The program currently accepts only #1, #2 or # 5 plastics, including plastic bottles and thermoform containers.
What is a thermoform container?
Thermoforms are clear plastic containers commonly used for produce, baked goods, salads, berries, and other packaged foods.
Can I recycle cardboard boxes?
Yes. Cardboard boxes are accepted, but they should be flattened before being dropped off.
Do I need to break down cardboard?
Yes. Cardboard should be broken down and flattened.
Is there a size limit for cardboard?
Yes. Cardboard should be no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet.
Can pizza boxes be recycled?
Only if they are clean and free of food residue and grease. Cardboard with food contamination should not be placed in recycling containers.
Do I need to clean containers before recycling?
Yes. Residents should empty, rinse and dry recyclable containers whenever possible to help reduce contamination.
Can I recycle glass?
Yes. Glass bottles and food containers are accepted at the 1128 Adams Recycling & Activity Center, located across the street from the Cherokee Area Council Recycling Center. Please remove contents and caps/lids before dropping them off (labels are OK to leave on). All colors of glass are accepted.
Can I recycle aluminum cans?
Yes. Aluminum cans and containers are accepted. Please empty, rinse and dry containers whenever possible before recycling.
Can I recycle steel cans?
Yes. Steel food and beverage cans are accepted. Please empty, rinse and dry containers whenever possible before recycling.
Can I recycle plastic bags?
Yes. Plastic shopping bags are accepted at the 1128 Adams Recycling & Activity Center. Plastic bags should be clean, dry and free of food residue or other contamination.
Why are plastic bags collected separately?
Plastic shopping bags are accepted at the 1128 Adams Recycling & Activity Center. Collected bags are provided to Agape Mission for use in its Food-for-Kids Program, which provides weekend food assistance to local students.
What items are NOT accepted?
Only materials specifically listed as accepted should be dropped off. Materials not designated for recycling should not be left at the site. No batteries of any kind are accepted.
USING THE RECYCLING CENTER
When can I drop off recyclables?
Both locations are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for recycling drop-offs.
How should I sort my recyclables?
Please follow any posted instructions and signage at the recycling site you are visiting.
Can businesses use the recycling center?
Businesses should contact the Cherokee Area Council directly regarding any quantity restrictions or commercial recycling questions.
What should I do if containers are full?
Please do not leave materials outside the containers. If a container is full, return at a later time. Overflowing materials can create litter and interfere with site operations.
Where can I find updates about the recycling program?
Updates will be shared through the City's website, social media channels, City Beat newsletter and the Cherokee Area Council website.