Omaha Recycling Guide
Plastic Bags
Not Accepted, Alternative Options Available
DO NOT place this item in a City of Omaha curbside recycling cart or drop-off site container.
Place all types of plastic bags, including plastic grocery bags, bread bags, or newspaper bags in the garbage, or use an alternative option.
Where Else Could It Go?
EMPTY and CLEAN plastic bags and films 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:
EMPTY and CLEAN plastic bags and clear plastic films can also be taken to a store drop-off container for free. Look for plastic bag and film recycling receptacles at participating retail and grocery stores. Read more about the NexTrex® Plastic Bag & Film Recycling Program, see a list of accepted items, and find participating locations at:
Note: Individual retail stores may have additional information about materials collected at their site.
Ways to Reduce or Reuse
Skip the bag or bring your own! Bring your own cloth or reusable shopping bags to use instead of single-use plastic bags.
Did You Know
Plastic bags are NOT accepted in the general recycling because they cause problems at the recycling facility. Bags can get wrapped around processing equipment, causing delays and other issues.
- DO NOT include loose plastic bags in a City of Omaha green-lid recycling cart or drop-off site container
- DO NOT bag recyclables -- bags of recyclables will be discarded
- The ONLY exception is the orange Hefty® ReNew® bag when filled with material and tied shut