Four weekends in April we will set up at the McAlester Recycling Center, 301 E. Polk Avenue (North 3rd and East Polk) for you to bring your bulk trash, metal, tires, and electronics. Times for Saturdays are 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and Sundays are 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Then, the first two weekends in October will be the fall cleanup. Only two weekends and nothing hazardous.
Household Hazardous Waste and Prescription Drugs and Syringes will be taken on the last Saturday in April ONLY. Shredding is on Sunday, April 28th only.
All of these services are limited to McAlester Residents (no commercial business) and are absolutely FREE. We gladly accept donations to help fund expenses.
Here are some more details to help you navigate the Cleanup:
What is bulk trash?
This is all that stuff you have hanging around that needs to be thrown out but is too big or simply too much to fit in your household trash cart. Do yourself a favor and toss it at the cleanup!
What about metal, tires, and electronics?
We take anything that is metal or mostly metal and nearly anything that runs off batteries or plugs into the wall. We take all trailer, vehicle, and semi-tires, but they must be removed from the rim before you bring them. Bring the rim too, though. We’ll throw it in the metal bin!
What is Household Hazardous Waste?
Household Hazardous Waste is all of those scary jugs and bottles of stuff on a shelf in the garage or stashed under the sink. It’s chemicals such as cleaners, automotive fluids, yard care products, pesticides, oil-based paints and stains, spray paint, gasoline, lighter fluids, paint thinners, pool chemicals, cooking oil, and lamp oils. Additional items accepted include propane and camping fuel cylinders, batteries of all kinds, ammunition up to .50 caliber, and fluorescent bulbs.
Latex paint is not hazardous. Open the lid, let it dry out and throw away in your own bin.
What kinds of prescription drugs can I dispose of?
Any prescription or over-the-counter medications that residents have in their homes that are expired or no longer needed can be ditched on the last Saturday in April. This includes pills, liquids, sharps, and syringes.
How do I haul tree trimmings and brush?
If you have a load that is only tree trimmings and brush, you will deliver it straight to the City of McAlester Landfill on Highway 270 west of town. They will be open during the same times as the cleanup at the Former National Guard Armory (Saturdays 9-3 and Sundays 12-3) You will need to take your water bill or driver’s license with you to this location.
Is there anything I can’t dispose of at the Cleanup?
Nothing illegal.
To dispose of latex paints properly, simply pop the lid off and let the liquid dry to a solid. If it takes too long, just dump in some really cheap cat litter and let that dry. Once it’s a solid, toss it in your household trash. Pretty simple and effective.
How is all of this possible?
The cleanup is supported in so many ways to help citizens like you get the burden of waste out of their homes, garages, and yards. This Spring, we will partner with Republic Services for the roll-off dumpster service, the City of McAlester for the use of the property, heavy equipment, and an employee, Pittsburg County Drug Court for community service participants, and Oklahoma Tire Recyclers for, well, tire recycling. We work with Yaffe Scrap Metal, CSI, and Natural Evolution for recycling and proper disposal of metal and electronics. Environmental Management will collect our Household Hazardous Waste, Prescription Drugs, and Syringes.
The expenses of the cleanup are funded in a variety of ways. A lot of in-kind donations come in to support the programs and volunteers. These include water, gloves, reflective vests, trash bags, pizza, donuts, pallets, plastic wrap, boxes, and more. Funds we receive from the City of McAlester are used to pay some of the cost.
Lastly, and most importantly, citizens just like you make amazing donations at the gate to help us offset the cost of the cleanup. Even giving just a few dollars helps in so many ways.
Want to help out?
If you have any of the in-kind items listed above that you’re interested in giving to us, simply call 918-424-9988 and let us know! If you’d rather give money, just click here.
You can also volunteer your time to help sort materials, unload trailers, track activities, direct traffic, and more. No matter to any time constraints, physical limitations, or lack of experience you might have, we’d love to work alongside you! You must be able and willing to sign a liability release and photo authorization form and then we’ll get you set in a job you’ll enjoy. Things do get a little crazy at cleanup, so volunteers must be at least 16 years old to participate. Simply send us an email at kmb@keepmcalesterbeautiful.com, or call 918-424-9988 to volunteer.
