Omaha Recycling Guide
Paper Coffee Cups
Accepted in City of Omaha Recycling
Place EMPTY and CLEAN paper coffee cups in a curbside recycling cart or drop-off site container.
- Empty all contents
- Rinse to remove residue and let dry
- Keep items loose and do not bag
Place this item in the garbage if you are not able to remove food residue.
Important Note: Plastic lids and straws should be placed in the garbage, or use an alternative option.
Ways to Reduce or Reuse
Invest in a reusable, refillable mug or thermos to reduce waste from single-use paper cups.
Did You Know
Paper foodservice containers, such as paper cups and takeout boxes, are often lined with a thin layer of plastic to make them leak-proof. This plastic lining makes them non-compostable, and they are not accepted for recycling in every community. However, the City of Omaha's recycling processor First Star Recycling has special equipment that can separate and recycle CLEAN and DRY paper products made with mixed materials. First Star has recently refined their sorting process to better capture these types of items, and identified end markets that can process and reuse the materials.