Tulsa Christmas Cleanup Q&A: What To Do With Holiday Trash

As families across Tulsa unwrap their gifts on Christmas morning, the city of Tulsa has some reminders about what to do with all that trash that comes from unwrapping those holiday gifts. Here's what you need to know about what can be recycled and what can be thrown in the trash to keep things eco-friendly.

Q: What items from Christmas cleanup can be recycled in the blue cart?

A: You can recycle cardboard boxes, plain wrapping paper (without foil or glitter), and paper gift bags (as long as you remove ribbons and plastic handles). These can go in your blue recycling cart along with your usual recyclables like aluminum cans, glass bottles, and plastic containers.

Q: What should be thrown in the trash instead of the recycling cart?

A: Items that cannot be recycled include shiny or glittery wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, bubble wrap, Styrofoam, and plastic bags. Additionally, tinsel, Christmas lights, and food-soiled containers should go in your gray trash cart.

Q: What should I do with my live Christmas tree after the holidays?

A: If you have a live Christmas tree, you can place it at the curb on your regular collection day. However, it must be cut into 4-foot sections to fit in the trucks. Alternatively, you can drop it off at the City's Mulch Site, where it will be turned into mulch, but make sure to remove all decorations first.

Q: Where can I find more details on sorting holiday trash?

A: For more information, you can check the city’s guide.