Olivette Sustainability Advocates

Is OSA a 501c3 or 510c4?

No, Olivette Sustainability Advocates is not a 501(c)(3) or 501 (c)(4). We are an independent community organization run by community members who are passionate about sustainability and want to improve our environment.

Is OSA part of Olivette city government?

No, we are an independent, community-led organization that is not part of a department or committee in Olivette's city government. We do partner with the City of Olivette on many of our educational programs and we are grateful for the partnerships we have established with the Olivette Parks and Recreation and Olivette Planning and Community Development.

Can I join OSA if I don't live in Olivette?

Yes! While many of our events take place in Olivette, we welcome members throughout the St. Louis Region. All of our events are open to the public and anyone is welcome to attend.

How can I get involved with OSA?

The best way to get involved and learn about our events is by subscribing to our e-newsletter. The newsletter comes out 1-2 times per month and includes lots of helpful local and regional information. Subscribe here!

Recycling FAQ's

We get a lot of questions about proper recycling and we're happy to help! Republic Services is Olivette's recycling provider. They have many tools to help you recycle correctly.

Where can I take glass for recycling?

Do not place your recycling into plastic bags of any kind. Plastic bags are a hazard in recycling facilities and jam up the sorting machines. Plastic bags can be taken to many grocery stores and shopping centers (Schnucks, Dierbergs, Kohls) for re-use into other plastic materials.

No plastic bags of any kind in recycling!

Glass can be placed into your residential recycling bin but it often gets broken in the process and then cannot be recycled. It is better to take your recycling to a Ripple Glass bin, where all kinds of glass can be recycled! The the nearest location is 7421 Forsyth Blvd in Clayton.

Does plastic actually get recycled?

Republic Services does an excellent job of recycling acceptable forms of plastic containers. The containers must be #1-5, or #7 plastics only and they must be clean and dry. #6 plastics and stryrofoam cannot be recycled.

I've heard that most recycling just ends up in the landfill or is incinerated. Is this true?

It depends on where you live and how contaminated the recycling loads are. Olivette uses Republic Services, and as a community, we have a strong rating for correct recycling practices. Most of what we put into our residential recycling bins does get recycled at Republic's facility in Hazelwood.

Recycling that is bagged will go to the landfill, small scraps of paper and small lids will fall through the sorting machines and not be recycled. Broken shards of glass will not be recycled.

Can I get a tour of the Republic Services facility?

Yes! Republic Services offers tours of their Material Recovery Facility (MRF) from March through November. OSA plans to arrange a tour for members in Spring/ Summer 2026. Stay tuned for more info!

Here's a link to a virtual tour of the Republic Facility and a demonstration of the problem of plastic bags!

Hard to Recycle Items

Resources to help you find options for electronics and other items that are hard to recycle

Furniture and Household Items

Don't put these items out for Bulk Trash! Many places in Saint Louis take furniture and household good donations.

The Bridge STL: Olivette non-profit providing clothes, furniture, and household items for people in need.

Home Sweet Home: Saint Louis furniture bank providing furniture and appliances for people in need.

Electronics

Spectrum E-cycle off Page is a great resource for recycling electronics. Some items may require a fee to recycle. Olivette offers a free electronics recycling and shredding event every October.

EarthDay 365 also offers "UnDumpster Days" throughout the year.

MRC: Recycles electronics and STYROFOAM.