Design Review and Historic Preservation – City of OKC (.gov)

City Bulky Waste Collection Program Report

Overview

The City provides a monthly bulky waste collection service for large junk or debris items that do not fit into the standard Big Blue trash cart. This service is included in regular trash and recycling programs, supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting efficient waste management and cleaner urban environments.

Collection Schedule and Procedures

1. The bulky waste program operates on a three-day collection window starting the first Monday of every month: Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Thursday-Friday.
2. Crews have up to three days to collect items placed at the curbside on the assigned set-out day. Residents must set out bulky waste by 6 a.m. on their designated day to ensure collection.
3. Missed service reports can be submitted via the okcutilities.com portal or by calling (405) 297-2833 Ext. 3 within two business days to avoid waiting until the next collection cycle.
4. Collection schedules remain consistent regardless of holidays, supporting SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by ensuring continuous waste management services.

Set-Out Guidelines

Do:

• Place bulky waste curbside no later than 6 a.m. on the monthly pick-up date.
• Set items loose with approximately 5 feet of clearance on all sides for easy collection.
• Ensure bulky waste is free from obstacles such as trees, power lines, mailboxes, fences, and gas meters.

Don’t:

• Set out bulky waste earlier than three days before the assigned pick-up date to avoid fines.
• Place bulky items after the assigned pick-up date, as they may not be collected.
• Include bags of trash or leaves with bulky waste; bags are not collected in this program.
• Place bulky waste in streets, driveways, or locations blocking water meters or storm drains.
• Dump bulky waste on empty lots or unoccupied properties, which is illegal and will not be collected.

Excess Bulky Waste Fees

The first four cubic yards of bulky waste (approximately the size of two standard refrigerators) are included in the monthly service fee. Excess waste incurs additional charges as follows:

• Piles between four and ten cubic yards will be tagged, and fees applied to the next utility bill.
• Piles exceeding ten cubic yards require customer approval via a door tag before collection.

Fee schedules are available on the Service Rates & Fees page. This fee structure aligns with SDG 12 by encouraging waste reduction and responsible disposal.

Missed Collection Reporting

Residents can report missed bulky waste collection through the “Service” tab on okcutilities.com or by calling (405) 297-2833 within two business days after the collection window. Timely reporting supports SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by fostering responsive municipal services.

Accepted Bulky Waste Items

• Large and small household appliances (special handling required for items containing freon).
• Furniture and carpets.
• Small trees and landscape waste from DIY projects (tree limbs cut to 10 feet or less).
• Fencing materials.
• Small waste from DIY home repairs (excluding contractor waste).
• Glass and mirrors (must be wrapped in cardboard and secured).

Items Requiring Special Handling

• Refrigerators and freezers: Require special equipment and must have doors removed. Schedule pick-up by calling Utilities Customer Service at (405) 297-2833. Compliance supports SDG 12 by ensuring safe disposal of hazardous materials.
• Mattresses: Infested or hazardous mattresses must be wrapped in plastic and labeled “bed bugs” for safe handling.
• Basketball goals: Notify Utilities Customer Service to arrange pick-up.

Prohibited Items

The following items are not collected under the bulky waste program and should be disposed of through appropriate channels, including the Household Hazardous Waste Center. This policy supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by preventing environmental contamination and health hazards.

• Acids, caustics, antifreeze, and fertilizers*
• Automotive repair waste, tires, rims, and fluids
• Bagged landscape waste (must be placed in Big Blue bin)
• Batteries, including automotive batteries*
• Bricks, concrete, rocks, and contractor waste
• Explosives, nuclear materials, and poisons*
• Diapers, pet waste, excrement, and sewage
• Fuels, oils, paints, solvents, pesticides, pool chemicals*
• Rust removers and other hazardous chemicals*

*Items marked with an asterisk are accepted at the City’s Household Hazardous Waste Center.

Conclusion

The City’s bulky waste collection program plays a vital role in sustainable urban waste management, directly contributing to multiple Sustainable Development Goals including SDG 11, SDG 12, and SDG 3. By adhering to set-out guidelines and proper disposal practices, residents support a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable community.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses the City’s bulky waste collection program, which contributes to sustainable urban living by managing waste effectively and keeping the city clean.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The bulky waste program encourages proper disposal and recycling of large household items and debris, promoting sustainable waste management practices.
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Proper bulky waste disposal helps prevent blockage of storm drains and contamination, supporting clean water and sanitation efforts.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • By preventing illegal dumping and ensuring safe disposal of hazardous materials, the program helps protect community health.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
   • Target 12.4: Achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Indicator for SDG 11.6:
   • Proportion of municipal solid waste collected and managed in controlled facilities – implied by the bulky waste collection program and reporting of missed services.
2. Indicators for SDG 12.5 and 12.4:
   • Amount of waste generated per capita and proportion recycled – implied by the guidelines on bulky waste set-out, restrictions on hazardous waste, and special handling procedures.
   • Number of hazardous waste collection events or volume of hazardous waste properly disposed – implied by references to the Household Hazardous Waste Center.
3. Indicator for SDG 6.3:
   • Proportion of wastewater safely treated and reduction in pollutant discharge – implied by instructions to avoid blocking storm drains and proper bulky waste disposal to prevent contamination.
4. Indicator for SDG 3.9:
   • Number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals – indirectly addressed by safe handling and disposal of hazardous bulky waste items.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: okc.gov