Recycling Guide for First Star Customers
A-Z Material Guide
(Click here for a complete list of materials collected in the “orange bag.” For orange bag collection information, visit this page.)
Aerosol Cans
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 Pop & Soda Cans
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 sorting process harder).
Aluminum Bottles
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 Food Container-New!
Yes! Empty the container and make sure it is clean. If necessary, scrape out or rinse off any leftover food before recycling. If the item is too difficult to clean, it’s best to throw it in the trash. Please place loose 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
Depends! 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
Orange Bag. Cake mix liner bags are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please clean, dry and collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Candy Wrappers
Orange Bag. Candy wrappers are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please clean, dry and collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Cartons
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
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
Old catalogs are recyclable! Please place them in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site
Cereal Pouches
Orange Bag. Cereal pouches are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please empty and collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Cleaning Supply Bottles
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
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)
Orange Bag. Condiment Packets are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please clean, dry and collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
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
Partial! Disposable razors (with the blade head removed) are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please collect plastic portion in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
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
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
Orange Bag. Foam containers are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please clean, dry and collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Foam To-Go Cups
Orange Bag. Foam containers are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please clean, dry and collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
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
Orange Bag. Frozen produce bags are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please clean, dry and collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Glass Bottles and Jars
Depends! 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
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
Orange Bag. Juice Pouches are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please clean, dry and collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Plastic Packaging
Orange Bag. Laundry Pouches and other flexible plastic packages are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Magazines
Magazines are recyclable! Please place them in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site.
Mail is 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
Orange Bag. Microwavable Pouches and other flexible plastic packages are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please clean, dry and collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
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
No! 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
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
Newspapers are recyclable! Please place them in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site.
Office Paper
Office paper is recyclable! Please place them in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site.
Packing Peanuts
Orange Bag. Packing peanuts are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Paint Cans
Depends! 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 Cups-New!
Yes! Empty paper cups are now recyclable. Keep your recyclables loose in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site. Place plastic lids and straws in a Hefty® ReNew® bag (if participating) or throw them in the trash.
Paper Bags, food containers-New!
Yes! Make sure there they are clean and empty of food before placing loose in your curbside recycling bin or take them to your local recycling drop-off site. This includes paper bags, sandwich & fry boxes, paper food tray/boats, and cup holders/carriers. These items are often compostable also.
Paper Egg Cartons & Cup Holders-New!
Yes! Paper egg cartons and cup holders are recyclable! Please place them loose 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
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
Pizza Boxes-New!
Yes! Pizza boxes are now recyclable through First Star Recycling’s processing partners. Make sure to remove any leftover pizza, sauce containers, and plastic pizza top savers/ spacers before recycling the box. A bit of grease or some stuck-on cheese is ok — they won't affect the recycling process. Just empty the box as much as possible and place it loose in your recycling bin. Or for your nearest food composting center please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycling Guide.
Plastic Food Bags
Orange Bag. Please do NOT put plastic food bags in your curbside bin or the recycling drop-off containers. Instead, please collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Plastic Bottles
Plastic bottles can be recycled by emptying, keeping plastic bottle lids screwed on to their bottles before placing loose in your curbside recycling bin or drop-off site container. Please do not squash your bottles (this makes the sorting process harder).
Plastic Cereal Box Liners
Orange Bag. Plastic cereal box liners are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Plastic Cheese Bags
Orange Bag. Plastic cheese bags are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please clean, dry, and collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Plastic Containers
Orange Bag. Plastic containers are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Plastic Cups-New!
Yes! Plastic cups can be recycled by emptying them removing lids and straws and placing them loose in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop-off locations. This includes most plastic cups made from polypropylene (PP), PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), or Polystyrene (PS). Put lids and straws in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Plastic Deli Meat Packaging
Orange Bag. Plastic deli meat packaging is made out of plastic that is not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Plastic Liners from Powdered Mixes
Orange Bag. Plastic liners from powdered mixes are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please clean, dry and collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
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. Or they can be collected in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Plastic Meat Packaging
Orange Bag. Plastic meat packaging is made out of plastic that is not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please clean, dry and collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Plastic Meat Trays
Orange Bag. Plastic meat trays are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please clean, dry and collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Plastic Pet Food Bags
Orange Bag. Plastic pet food bags are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please empty and collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Plastic Shopping Bags
Orange Bag or Drop Off. Plastic shopping bags should not be placed with your regular recycling as they cause problems in the mechanical sorting process. Bags should be returned to retailers for recycling. Or, they can be collected in a see-thru orange bag and the material can be transformed into plastic lumber. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Plastic Silverware/ Utencils
Orange Bag. Plastic silverware is made out of plastic that is not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Plastic Straws and Stirrers
Orange Bag. Plastic straws and stirrers are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Plastic Toys
No! 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 Wrap
Orange Bag. Plastic wrap is made out of plastic that is not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Potato Chip Bags
Orange Bag. Potato chip bags are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Pudding Cups
Orange Bag. Pudding cups are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Rubber
No! First Star Recycling does not recycle rubber. For your nearest rubbing recycling, please click here.
Salad Bags
Orange Bag. Salad bags are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag 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
No! 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
Depends! Single-serve coffee pods are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, if they are clean, please collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Snack Bags
Orange Bag. Snack bags are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag 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. Please do not squash your cans (this makes the sorting process harder).
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
Orange Bag. Squeezable pouches are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Stand-Up Pouches
Orange Bag. Stand-Up Pouches are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Steel Cans
Steel cans and 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 - EPS
Orange Bag or Drop off. For large blocks of white polystyrene such as coolers or the packaging around new electronics that don’t fit in your orange bag, you can instead drop these off for recycling at Plastilite .
Styrofoam Cups and Containers
Orange Bag. Styrofoam is made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
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
No! 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
No! First Star Recycling does not recycle tissue paper. Please dispose of this with your regular trash or for your nearest food composting center please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycling Guide.
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. Another option is to compost, please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycling Guide for composting options.
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
Orange Bag. Toothpaste tubes are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, please collect them in a see-thru orange bag so the material can be transformed into plastic lumber, rather than ending up in the landfill. The filled orange bag is placed the curbside or drop-off recycling. For more information on the orange bag program, please click here.
Wax Paper
No! First Star Recycling does not recycle wax paper. Please dispose of this with your regular trash.
Wet Paper
No! First Star Recycling does not recycle wet paper. Please dispose of this with your trash or for your nearest food composting center please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycling Guide.
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
No! 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.