Omaha Recycling Guide
Plastic Cleaning Product Containers
Some Restrictions Apply
ACCEPTED: EMPTY and RINSED Plastic Containers
Place EMPTY and RINSED plastic containers marked #1, #2, #3, or #5 in a curbside recycling cart or drop-off site container.
- Thoroughly rinse empty containers to remove all contents
- Labels, lids, and caps (including pump and spray tops) can stay on
- Keep items loose and DO NOT bag
CAUTION: Confirm what type of product was in the container. TRIPLE RINSE empty containers that held heavy-duty cleaners, such as bleach or drain cleaner, before placing in the recycling. This reduces the risk of harm to workers and prevents contamination of other recyclables.
NOT ACCEPTED: Containers with Leftover Contents Inside
DO NOT place containers with leftover contents in a City of Omaha curbside recycling cart or drop-off site container.
DO NOT place containers with liquid contents into a waste or garbage cart. Containers that have unused liquid contents require special handling.
If you have containers with leftover cleaning products inside, the best option is to use up the material for its intended purpose.
Where Else Could It Go?
CAUTION: If your cleaning product is labeled Flammable, Caustic, Volatile, or Corrosive, it should be considered Household Hazardous Waste and taken to the City's special waste facility, UnderTheSink. 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:
If you have more leftover product than you can use, some cleaning products, including ammonia-based cleaners, bathroom and toilet cleaners, chlorine bleach, disinfectants, and drain cleaners can be disposed of by pouring down the toilet.
Important Notes:
- DO NOT mix chemicals from different containers in the bowl
- Flush between each product
- DO NOT flush flammable contents
Ways to Reduce or Reuse
Plan ahead and buy only what you can use in a short period of time.
If you have leftover cleaning products that are still usable, consider sharing with a neighbor.
Did You Know
In many cases, you can avoid buying hazardous household materials and use alternative products instead. Before you buy, read the label. If a product is labeled with words like Caution, Warning, Danger, Poison, Flammable, Volatile, Caustic, or Corrosive, try to find a less hazardous alternative.