#HalloweenRecyclingWeek: Don’t Ghost Your Takeout!

Earlier this year, in partnership with Foodservice Packaging Institute, we were able to identify new reliable end markets and processing partners capable of recycling several formally denied foodservice items including hot and cold paper cups, pizza boxes, and several other foodservice items. After working through the sorting process updates, we have begun to coordinate and outreach effort we’d like to take place between now and Thanksgiving to increase public awareness. We’d greatly appreciate your help in sharing this message through your communication channels.

Key Details

·       Who it applies to:  Residents and businesses whose recycling is processed by First Star Recycling (includes the City of Omaha curbside program as well as our drop off collection and materials dropped off by haulers).

·       What’s now recovered for recycling?

o   Paper cups – hot and cold

o   Pizza boxes with minimal food contamination

o   Fast food paper food packaging

o   Plastic cups/containers

·       What’s not changed: Foam cups and foam containers are placed in an orange bag or in the trash. Aluminum takeout containers are placed in the trash. Paper products may be commercially composted if available.

·       How to help: For this week and the month of November - we’re socializing new and some of our lesser known recyclable items. Share our social media posts!!

Attached you’ll find a detailed FAQ to use as needed.

Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping Omaha’s recycling program expanding and growing. Please let us know if you have any questions.