Omaha Recycling Guide
Plastic Plates & Bowls
Some Restrictions Apply
ACCEPTED: Empty, Clean Plastics #1, #2, #3, or #5
Place EMPTY and CLEAN plastic plates, bowls, and other serveware marked #1, #2, #3, or #5 in a curbside recycling cart or drop-off site container.
- Rinse if necessary to remove residue
- Keep items loose and do not bag
NOT ACCEPTED: Plastics #4, #6, #7, or Unmarked Plastics
DO NOT place plastic plates or other serveware made from #4, #6, #7, or unmarked plastics in a City of Omaha curbside recycling cart or drop-off site container. Place these types of containers in the garbage if you cannot use an alternative option.
Where Else Could It Go?
EMPTY and CLEAN plastic plates, bowls, or cups made from #4, #6, #7, or unmarked plastics can be placed in an orange Hefty® ReNew® bag. FirstStar Recycling offers this special program to collect hard-to-recycle plastics in our community. To participate, you can purchase orange Hefty® ReNew® bags, which will be collected through your existing curbside and drop-off site services. When filled with accepted materials and tied shut, the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag is the ONLY bag that can be placed in a curbside recycling cart or drop-off site container. Learn more about the local Hefty® ReNew® program:
Ways to Reduce or Reuse
Opt for reusable and washable cups, plates, or silverware instead of single-use plastic items.
Reduce waste by purchasing plastic cups and other serverware made from 100% recyclable plastics, such as #1 PET plastic.
Did You Know
Compostable plastics are NOT recyclable. Items labeled "Biodegradable" or "Certified Compostable" may look like plastic, but are designed to break down into organic materials. Biodegradable or compostable products should be placed in the garbage, or composted through a paid program at an industrial-composting facility, such as Hillside Solutions.