Here’s the litmus test: food residue & liquid is fine, as long as there’s not enough to bite or drink from. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but cleaner materials = more recyclability.

Plastics are by far the most confusing category. Some are easily recyclable, but some are not. Use the next slides to understand the basics.

Scientists developed a plastic coding system based on 7 types. But was never meant to be a guide on what is or isn’t recyclable.

Plastics with the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 5 are usually easily recyclable in Omaha at First Star Recycling. But not every plastic container has a number on it. So the better way to tell is if the material is hard & rigid.

If it’s not hard & rigid, and could be considered soft & flimsy, then don’t put these items directly into your recycling bin. They either go in an EnergyBag, or in the landfill. See EnergyBag module for more info.

Unless it’s an EnergyBag, do not put plastic bags in the dumpster or carts that we empty. If recyclables are bagged, assume they will be landfilled.

While this may sound counterintuitive, it’s actually better to recycle less if it’s more of the right things than recycle more things if less of them are right. Another way to say that: if you don’t know, it’s better to landfill than “wish cycle.”

If you’re still trying to figure out if you should recycle a particular item, keep in mind that real human beings are handling your materials on the other end. If it’s not safe enough for them to handle, then you probably shouldn’t recycle it.