Background

Even in the heart of America, cities such as growing Omaha, NE (pop. 421,570), are embracing single-stream curbside recycling. The city credits the switch to green single-stream bins as a move that lessens budgetary concerns and increases efficiency. However, this new form of pick-up does have one major drawback: Glass is no longer accepted for recycling at the curb. At this time, the city has no plans to bring glass recycling back to the curb, but it does encourage residents to take glass bottles and containers to drop-off locations around town (see below).

Materials recycled

Paper All loose paper must be contained in a paper bag or small cardboard box. Acceptable items include clean paper, magazines, catalogs, newspaper, detergent boxes, soft-cover books, cereal boxes, greeting cards, phone books, junk mail, wrapping paper (non-metallic), paper egg cartons, milk cartons and juice boxes/cartons. Corrugated cardboard must be broken down and placed under or next to the green bin. Plastics Plastics number 1 except frozen food trays, plastic cups, toys or cookie trays; plastics number 2 except motor oil or auto-product bottles, lawn chemical bottles, toys or cookie trays; bottles, tubs and containers marked #3; and #5 bottles, tubs and containers. Remove all lids, clean and crush when possible. Metals Including aluminum cans, steel cans, empty aerosol cans and empty and dry paint cans. Glass Glass is not accepted for curbside recycling.

Frequency

Curbside pick-up occurs on a weekly basis, same day as trash pick-up. Green bins must be placed curbside by 6 a.m. day of pick-up. A general pick-up day guideline can be found online.

Other programs

The city operates four drop-off recycling locations, and encourages residents to drop off their glass bottles and containers (cleaned and lid-free) for recycling. Other items that are accepted at the curb can also be dropped off at these locations. The locations:

• Northwest Omaha drop-off site: parking lot at North 75th and Corby streets. Open daily from 7 to 7.
• Northeast Omaha drop-off site: parking lot at South 26th Avenue and Douglas Street. Open daily from 7 to 7.
• Southeast Omaha drop-off site: River City Recycling, 6404 S. 60th St. This site also accepts bulky materials for a fee. Open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during spring, summer and fall (open 8 a.m. to noon during the winter).
• Southwest Omaha drop-off site: Firstar Fiber, 10330 I St. Open daily from 7 to 7.

Curbside yard waste collection occurs from April through Thanksgiving each year. The city does not provide yard waste containers; residents are asked to clearly label a trashcan with “YW” on each side before placing curbside. Trash cans can measure up to 32 gallons in size and weigh up to 45 pounds. Special yard waste paper bags (weighing up to 40 pounds) will also suffice. Accepted materials include grass clippings, leaves and fallen/rotten fruit. Bundles of branches and brush, tied with string or twine, can weigh up to 30 pounds. Branches must be no larger than 2 inches in diameter and 4 feet in length. Omaha operates Christmas tree collection sites in December and January of each year. Proper hazardous waste disposal (including motor oil, antifreeze, tires, auto batteries, freon, etc.) is Nebraska law. Drop-off locations are listed online.

More information

Visit the Omaha Solid Waste Management Wasteline website for more recycling program info.