Omaha Recycling Guide
Oil-Based Paint & Stain Plastic Containers
Not Accepted, Alternative Options Available
CAUTION: Household Hazardous Waste
DO NOT place this item in a City of Omaha curbside recycling cart or drop-off site container. Oil-based products such as paint, stain, lacquer, or polyurethane are considered Household Hazardous Waste and require special handling.
- The best option is to use up the material for its intended purpose
- If your container has liquid contents inside, DO NOT place it in a garbage or waste cart. Take unused or partially full containers of oil-based products to the City's special waste facility, UnderTheSink
- If your container is completely empty and dry, it is ok to place it in the garbage
Where Else Could It Go?
UnderTheSink accepts unwanted chemicals and special waste from households in Douglas and Sarpy Counties. More information and a list of items accepted at this facility can be found at this link:
Ways to Reduce or Reuse
If you have leftover products that are still usable, consider sharing with a neighbor.
UnderTheSink also offers a ReStore, accepting items that are in good condition for reuse.
Did You Know
Household hazardous wastes that make their way into landfills can cause groundwater pollution. If improperly handled and disposed of, these materials can pose a threat to the public's health and safety.
How to determine if a product is considered household hazardous waste? Look for indicator words on labels, such as:
- Caution
- Warning
- Danger
- Poison
- Flammable
- Volatile
- Caustic
- Corrosive
Learn More
Liquid contents can be quickly dried by stirring cat litter or oil-dry absorbent into containers. Leave lids off and allow to dry outside for a few days. When solid, they can be disposed of in the garbage (NOT the recycling). Visit UnderTheSink for Proper Paint Disposal instructions.