Update: This story contains some outdated information. For information about the City’s recycling program, see https://www.cityofbartlesville.org/city-services/refuse-recycling/
A fire earlier this month at the Tulsa Recycle and Transfer Center has put a hold on several recycling programs in the area, including the City of Bartlesville. Public Works Director Keith Henry talks about it in this week’s edition of Director’s Cut.
City Beat: What happened at Tulsa Recycle and Transfer Center?
Henry: TRT experienced a fire on April 1 that caused extensive electrical damage and resulted in the temporary closure of their facility. It’s our understanding they believe the fire was caused by a lithium battery that had been improperly placed in recyclable items. Batteries are not an accepted item for recycling and should be disposed of some other way, such as the annual Operation Clean House events.
How has TRT closing impacted the City of Bartlesville’s recycling program?
The City operates a drop-off recycling center, located on 10th Street just east of Virginia Avenue, for residents to use for their recycling needs. We transfer our recyclables to TRT for processing. So with TRT out of commission, we have nowhere to take our recycled materials and have had to close the center. It will remain closed until TRT is up and running.
How long will the City’s recycle center be closed?
We have not been notified by TRT of when they will be able to reopen, but they have indicated it will be several weeks, if not months. It will not be in the very immediate future.
What should people do with their recyclables in the meantime?
Unfortunately, there is little that can be done regarding use of the City’s recycle center until TRT reopens. If people have access to a recycling service that does not use TRT for processing, they may want to consider using that service. Otherwise, the only other options are to hold on to their recyclables or put them into the refuse system.
How will people know when TRT reopens and the City recycle center is open again?
We will share any updates or additional information we have through City Beat, of course, as well as the City’s Facebook page, City of Bartlesville GOV, and the City website. We will also let local media know so they can distribute the information through their platforms.
Is there anything else people should know?
Yes, there is one thing. While most people who use our recycle center are respectful of the center and understand the situation we’re in, there have been a few incidents of people leaving items, including trash, outside the fence at the center. This, of course, is unacceptable and can result in a fine or other penalties. We will pursue charges for anyone illegally dumping items at the center.
We understand this is frustrating and that people want the situation to be resolved quickly, but TRT is working as fast as they can to reopen and we will resume normal operations as soon as they are able to accept our transfers. We’re asking everyone to be patient until that happens.
For more information about recycling, see www.cityofbartlesville.org.