Recycling Guide
A-Z Material Guide
Aerosol Cans
Yes - Aerosol cans can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin or at a recycling drop-off site. Note: Please ensure contents are completely discharged before recycling to prevent a safety hazard
Aluminum Cans
Yes! Aluminum cans are recyclable! Please place them in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site. Please do not squash your cans (this makes the sortation process harder).
Aluminum Bottles
Yes! Aluminum bottles such as aluminum beer bottles or toiletry bottles are recyclable. Please place them in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site
Aluminum Foil
No - Firstar Fiber does not recycle residential aluminum foil. Please place in your landfill trash bin.
Aluminum Pop / Soda Cans
Yes! Aluminum pop / soda cans are recyclable! Please place them in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site
Appliances
No! Please do NOT put appliances in your curbside bin or recycling drop-off site container. For your nearest appliance recycling center please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycling Guide
Books
Paperback books may be recycled in your curbside recycling or recycling drop-off location. Hardback books must have the cover removed and discarded before placing in the recycling container. Hardback books that are intact are not recyclable.
Cake Mix Plastic Liner Bags
Cake mix liner bags are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag and converted into new products such as plastic lumber.
Candy Wrappers
Candy wrappers are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag and converted into new products such as plastic lumber.
Cartons
Yes! Empty cartons and other aseptic packaging are recyclable! Please place them in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site.
Cat Litter Bucket
Yes! Empty cat litter buckets are recyclable! Please place them in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site. Please make sure they are empty.
Catalogs
Yes! Cat litter buckets are recyclable! Please place them in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site
Cereal Pouches
Cereal pouches are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag and converted into new products such as plastic lumber.
Cleaning Supply Bottles
Yes! Cleaning supply bottles are recyclable! Please place them in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site. Please make sure they are empty and have been rinsed out to avoid contamination.
Clothing
No! Please do NOT put clothing in your curbside bin or recycling drop-off site container. Please donate any reusable clothing to a local thrift store or if for your nearest textile recycling center please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycling Guide
Colored Paper
Yes! Colored paper is recyclable! Please place them in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site.
Condiment Packets (Plastic)
Condiment Packets are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag and converted into new products such as plastic lumber.
Construction Materials
No! Please do NOT put construction materials in your curbside bin or recycling drop-off site container. For your nearest construction and demolition recycling center please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycling Guide
Containers that held Hazardous Waste
No! Please do NOT put containers that have held Hazardous Waste in your curbside bin or recycling drop-off site container. Please read the label for correct disposal guidelines for your particular product. For your nearest Household Hazardous Waste center please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycling Guide
Diapers
No! Diapers are NOT recyclable! Please place in your landfill trash bin
Disposable Razors
Disposable razors (with the blade head removed) are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag and converted into new products such as plastic lumber.
Electronics Recycling
No! Please do NOT put electronics in your curbside bin or recycling drop-off site container. For your nearest electronics recycling center please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycling Guide. The in-built batteries in incorrectly recycled electronics is the leading cause of fires at mechanical recycling facilities like First Star
Envelopes
Yes! Envelopes (including envelopes with windows) are recyclable! Please place them in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site.
Fabric
No! Please do NOT put fabric in your curbside bin or recycling drop-off site container. This can tangle our machines. Please donate any reusable fabric to a local thrift store or if for your nearest textile recycling center please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycling Guide
Foam To-Go Boxes and Containers
In the Hefty® ReNew® bag - Foam containers are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag and converted into new products such as plastic lumber.
Foam To-Go Cups
In the Hefty® ReNew® bag - Foam containers are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag and converted into new products such as plastic lumber.
Folders
Folders and other document storage make from paper or card can be recycled by placing them in your curbside bin or taking them to a drop-off recycling center. Please ensure any metal pieces have been removed
Food
No! Please do NOT put food waste in your curbside recycling bin or the recycling drop-off site container. Food waste can contaminate other recycling and it’s not nice for our sorting staff to have to pick through! For your nearest food composting center please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycling Guide.
Frozen Produce Bags
Frozen produce bags are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag and converted into new products such as plastic lumber.
Glass Bottles and Jars
No! Please do NOT put glass in your curbside bin and only place in designated glass recycling bins at the drop-off sites. For your nearest glass drop-off recycling please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycling Guide. Broken glass can cause injury to our staff or contaminate other recyclables if incorrectly disposed of.
Inserts and Junk mail
Yes! Inserts and junk mail made from paper are recyclable! Please place them in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site.
Juice Pouches
Juice Pouches are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag and converted into new products such as plastic lumber.
Laundry Pouches / Flexible Plastic Packaging
In the Hefty® ReNew® bag - Laundry Pouches and other flexible plastic packages are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag and converted into new products such as plastic lumber.
Magazines
Yes! Magazines are recyclable! Please place them in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site.
Yes! Magazines are recyclable! Please place them in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site. Please note: we do not shred documentation received before sending it on to the end mill so you may wish to remove any personally sensitive information. You can find your local document shredding facility at the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycling Guide
Microwavable Pouches
In the Hefty® ReNew® bag - Microwavable Pouches and other flexible plastic packages are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag and converted into new products such as plastic lumber.
Mirrors
No! Mirrors and other pane glass is NOT recyclable in your curbside bin or in the glass recycling bins at the drop-off sites. If it is in usable condition, please consider giving to your local thrift store. Broken glass can cause injury to our staff or contaminate other recyclables if incorrectly disposed of.
Motor Oil Containers
First Star does not accept containers that have contained motor oil in the mixed recycling as it can contaminate the other recyclables. Please read the label for correct disposal guidelines for your particular product. For your nearest Household Hazardous Waste center please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycling Guide
Mouthwash Bottles
Yes! Mouthwash bottles are recyclable! Please place them in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site.
Napkins
No! Please do not put napkins in your curbside recycling bin or the recycling drop-off site container. Please place in your landfill trash can or for your nearest food composting center please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycling Guide.
Newspapers / Ads
Yes! Mouthwash bottles are recyclable! Please place them in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site.
Plastic Bags
Please do NOT bag your recyclables or put plastic bags in your curbside bin or the recycling drop-off containers. These can go in the Hefty® ReNew® bag - Plastic bags are not easily recycled by traditional means and tangle in our machinery. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag and converted into new products such as plastic lumber.
Office Paper
Yes! Office paper is recyclable! Please place them in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site.
Packing Peanuts
In the Hefty® ReNew® bag - Packing peanuts are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag and converted into new products such as plastic lumber.
Paint Cans
Empty paint cans from water, acrylic, or latex-based paints can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling bin or taking them to your local recycling drop-off site. Note: Oil-based paint cans should be treated like Household Hazardous Waste. Please read the label for correct disposal guidelines for your particular product. For your nearest Household Hazardous Waste center please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycling Guide
Paper Towel / Toilet Paper Tubes
The tubes from the center of paper towels or toilet paper are recyclable. Please place them in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site.
Paper Egg Cartons
Yes! Paper egg cartons are recyclable! Please place them in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site.
Paper Towels
No! Please do not put paper towels in your curbside recycling bin or the recycling drop-off site container. Please place in your landfill trash can or for your nearest food composting center please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycling Guide.
Phone Books
Yes! Phone books are recyclable! Please place them in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site.
Pill & Medicine Bottles
Pill & medicine bottles are recyclable in your curbside recycling bin and at the recycling drop-off sites. If your bottle is smaller than the palm of your hand, please help us by placing in a larger plastic container of the same type or #. This will prevent them falling through the cracks in the sorting machines
Plastic Lids
Plastic bottle lids are recyclable and should be left screwed on to their bottles before placing in your curbside recycling bin or drop-off site container
Plastic Food Bags
Please do NOT put plastic food bags in your curbside bin or the recycling drop-off containers. These can go in the Hefty® ReNew® bag - Plastic bags are not easily recycled by traditional means and tangle in our machinery. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag and converted into new products such as plastic lumber.
Plastic Bread Bags
Plastic bread bags are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, click here
Plastic Cereal Box Liners
Plastic cereal box liners are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, please click here.
Plastic Cheese Bags
Plastic cheese bags are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, please click here.
Plastic Containers
Plastic containers are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, please click here.
Plastic Cups
Plastic cups can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop-off locations.
Plastic Deli Meat Packaging
Plastic deli meat packaging is made out of plastic that is not easily recycled by traditional means. However, it can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, please click here.
Plastic Food Containers
Plastic meat packaging is made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, please click here.
Plastic Liners from Powdered Mixes
Plastic liners from powdered mixes are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, please click here.
Plastic Meat Packaging
Plastic meat packaging is made out of plastic that is not easily recycled by traditional means. However, it can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, please click here.
Plastic Meat Trays
Plastic meat trays are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, please click here.
Plastic Pet Food Bags
Plastic pet food bags are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, please click here.
Plastic Shopping Bags
Plastic shopping bags should not be placed with your regular recycling as they cause problems in the mechanical sorting process. Bags such as shopping sacks should be returned to retailers for recycling. Non-recyclable plastic bags are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, please click here.
Plastic Silverware
Plastic silverware is made out of plastic that is not easily recycled by traditional means. However, it can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, please click here.
Plastic Straws and Stirrers
Plastic straws and stirrers are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, please click here.
Plastic Toys
First Star Recycling does not recycle plastic toys. If they are in reusable condition, please consider donating them to a local charity or thrift store where they may be put to good use. If your plastic toys are not reusable, please dispose of them with your regular trash.
Plastic Tupperware
Plastic Tupperware can be recycled by placing it in your curbside recycling or by taking it to one of our drop-off sites.
Plastic Utensils
Plastic utensils are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, please click here.
Plastic Wrap
Plastic wrap is made out of plastic that is not easily recycled by traditional means. However, it can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, please click here.
Potato Chip Bags
Potato chip bags are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, please click here.
Pudding Cups
Pudding cups are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, please click here.
Rubber
First Star Recycling does not recycle rubber. For your nearest rubbing recycling, please click here.
Salad Bags
Salad bags are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, please click here.
Shampoo Bottles
Shampoo bottles can be recycled by placing it in your curbside recycling or by taking it to one of our drop-off sites.
Sheet Glass
Sheet glass, mirrors, and other pane glass items are not recyclable. For your nearest sheet glass recycling, please click here.
Shredded Paper
Shredded paper can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop-off sites.
Single-Serve Coffee Pods
Single-serve coffee pods are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, please click here.
Snack Bags
Snack bags are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, please click here.
Soap Dispensers
Soap dispensers can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop-off sites.
Soda Cans
Soda cans can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop-off sites.
Soup Cans
Soup cans can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop-off sites.
Spray Bottle
Spray bottles can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop-off sites.
Squeezable Pouches
Squeezable pouches are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, please click here.
Stand-Up Pouches
Stand-Up Pouches are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, please click here.
Steel Cans
Steel cans can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop-off sites.
Steel Soup Cans
Steel soup cans can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop-off sites.
Sticky Notes
Sticky notes can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop-off sites. .
Styrofoam
Styrofoam is made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, it can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, please click here.
For large blocks of white polystyrene such as coolers or the packaging around new electronics that don’t fit in the Hefty® ReNew® bags, you can also recycle these at Plastilite .
Tin Cans
Tin cans can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop-off sites.
Tires
First Star Recycling does not recycle tires. For your nearest tire recycling, please click here.
Tissue Boxes
Tissue boxes can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop-off sites.
Tissue Paper
First Star Recycling does not recycle tissue paper. Please dispose of this with your regular trash.
To-Go Bag
Paper to-go bags are recyclable and can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or taking them to one of our drop-off sites.
Toilet Paper Tubes
The tubes from the center of the rolls of toilet paper are recyclable and can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or taking them to one of our drop-off sites.
Toiletry Bottles
Toiletry bottles can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or taking them to one of our drop-off sites.
Toothpaste Tubes
Toothpaste tubes are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag, which is then used to make plastic lumber and other durable goods, rather than ending up in the landfill. For more information on the Hefty® ReNew® program, please click here.
Wax Paper
First Star Recycling does not recycle wax paper. Please dispose of this with your regular trash.
Wet Paper
First Star Recycling does not recycle wet paper. Please dispose of this with your trash.
White Paper
White paper can be recycled by placing it in your curbside recycling or by taking it to one of our drop-off sites.
Windows
Windows, mirrors, and other pane glass items are not recyclable at First Star Recycling. If your item is in reusable condition, please consider donating to your local charity or thrift store where it can be put to good use.
Wrapping Paper
Wrapping paper can be recycled by placing it in your curbside recycling or taking it to one of our drop-off sites.
Pizza Boxes
Pizza boxes are recyclable, even if greasy. Remove solid food remnants before tossing in the bin.