Recycling Guide
What Can I Recycle?First Star Recycling’s comprehensive recycle guide answers HOW to recycle and WHAT to recycle. Check out our A-Z recycling guide to find out what items to trash and which items we treasure.
Aerosol cans may be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling, or by taking them to one of our drop off sites. Please make sure they are completely empty before recycling!
Aluminum cans may be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling, or by taking them to one of our drop off sites.
Aluminum bottles, such as aluminum beer bottles, may be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling, or by taking them to one of our drop off sites.
Recyclable
Aluminum pop and soda cans may be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling, or by taking them to one of our drop off sites.
First Star Recycling does not recycle appliances. For your nearest appliance recycling center please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycle Guide
Paperback books may be recycled in your curbside recycling, or may be taken to one of our drop off sites. Hardcover books may also be recycled but please make sure to tear the hardcover off first.
Cake mix liners are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
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® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
Cat litter buckets may be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling, or by taking them to one of our drop off sites.
Catalogs may be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling, or by taking them to one of our drop off sites
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® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
Cleaning bottles may be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling, or by taking them to one of our drop off sites. Please make sure they are empty and have been rinsed out to avoid contamination.
First Star Recycling does not recycle clothing or textiles. Please donate any reusable clothing to your local charity or thrift store where it can be put to good use.
Colored paper may be recycled by placing it in your curbside recycling, or by taking it to one of our drop off sites.
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® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here. Please make sure condiment packets are empty before placing in your EnergyBag™
First Star Recycling does not recycle construction materials. For your nearest construction material recycling center please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycle Guide
First Star Recycling does not recycle containers that have held Hazardous Materials. This type of containers should be disposed of carefully and properly. Read the label to see how your particular product should be disposed, and contact the appropriate people who are able to take it. For your nearest Household Hazardous Waste center please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycle Guide
Diapers are not recyclable and should be disposed of in your regular trash
Disposable razors (with blade head removed) can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here. Please make sure blades are removed before placing in your EnergyBag™
First Star Recycling does not recycle electronics. For your nearest electronics recycling center please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycle Guide
Envelopes may be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling, or by taking them to one of our drop off sites
Envelopes with windows may be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling, or by taking them to one of our drop off sites. You do not need to remove the plastic window from the envelope.
First Star Recycling does not recycle fabric or textiles. Please donate any reusable fabric to your local charity or thrift store where it can be put to good use.
Foam “To-Go” boxes common at restaurants are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
Foam cups are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
Folders and other document storage made from paper or card may be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling, or by taking them to one of our drop off sites
Food waste cannot be recycled and can contaminate other recyclable materials making us incapable of recycling them. Steps should be taken to remove as much food waste from your recyclable materials as possible. If you want to set up a home food waste composting system, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a composting guide here.
Frozen fruit bags are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
Frozen potato bags are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
Frozen vegetable bags are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
Glass bottles can only be recycled by taking them to one of our drop off locations. Please do not put glass in your curbside collected recycling as the glass breaks and contaminates the other recyclable products.
Glass jars can only be recycled by taking them to one of our drop off locations. Please do not put glass in your curbside collected recycling as the glass breaks and contaminates the other recyclable products.
Hotdog bags are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
Inserts made from paper or card may be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling, or by taking them to one of our drop off sites
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® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
Laundry pouches are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
Magazines may be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling, or by taking them to one of our drop off sites
Mail may be recycled by placing it in your curbside recycling, or by taking them to one of our drop off sites. Please keep in mind that we do not shred documentation received so you may wish to use a document shredding service for sensitive personal information. To find your local document shredding service, please refer to the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycle Guide
Microwaveable pouches are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
Mirrors and other pane glass are not recyclable at First Star Recycling. If your mirror is in reusable condition, please consider donating to your local charity or thrift store where it can be put to good use.
First Star Recycling does not recycle containers that have held Motor Oil as residue on the containers can contaminate the other recyclables. This type of containers should be disposed of carefully and properly. For your nearest Household Hazardous Waste center please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycle Guide
Mouthwash bottles may be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling, or by taking them to one of our drop off sites. Please leave plastic lids attached to the bottle.
Napkins are not recyclable and should be disposed of in your regular trash.
Newspapers, including any advertisement inserts that come with them, are recyclable and can be placed in your single stream recycling bin at home or taken to one of our drop-off locations. However, we ask that you please take them out of any plastic bag that they might have arrived in. Newspaper bags are not recyclable by traditional means, however, they can be included in our Hefty® EnergyBag™program.
Plastic 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® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
Magazines may be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling, or by taking them to one of our drop off sites
First Star Recycling does not recycle oil-contaminated paper as this can contaminate the other recyclables. Please dispose of any oil-contaminated paper with your regular trash
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® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
Paint cans from water, acrylic or latex based paints can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop off sites. Please ensure paint cans are empty and rinsed out as much as possible. Oil or solvent based paints should be treated as Household Hazardous Waste and disposed of carefully and properly. For your nearest Household Hazardous Waste center please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycle Guide
Paper bags can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop off sites
Paper egg cartons can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop off sites
Paper plates that have been contaminated with food are not recyclable and should be disposed of with your regular trash
The tubes from the center of the rolls of paper towels or toilet paper are recyclable and can be placed in your curbside recycling or taken to one of our drop off sites
Paper towels are not recyclable and should be disposed of with your regular trash
Paperback books can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop off sites
Phone books can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop off sites
Pill and medicine bottles can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or taking them to one of our drop off locations. However, we ask that you help to make recovery and collection easier by placing them inside one of your larger recyclable bottles
Plastic bottle lids are recyclable and should be left screwed to their bottles before placing in your curbside recycling or taken to one of our drop off sites
Plastic bottles can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop off sites
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® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
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® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
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® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
Plastic containers can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop off sites
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 is made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
Plastic food containers can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop off sites
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® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
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® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
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® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
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® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
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® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
Plastic silverware is made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
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® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
First Star Recycling do not recycle plastic toys. If they are in reusable condition, please consider donating 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 with your regular trash
Plastic tupperware can be recycled by placing it in your curbside recycling or by taking to one of our drop off sites
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® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
Plastic wrap is made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
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® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
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® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
First Star Recycling does not recycle rubber. For your nearest rubber recycling center please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycle Guide
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® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
Shampoo bottles can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop off sites
Sheet glass, 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.
Shredded paper can be recycled by placing it in your curbside recycling or by taking it to one of our drop off sites
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® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
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® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
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 can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop off sites
Soup cans can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop off sites
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 are made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
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® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
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 can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop off sites
Sticky notes can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop off sites
Styrofoam is made out of plastics that are not easily recycled by traditional means. However, they can be placed in the bright orange Hefty® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
Tin cans can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop off sites
First Star Recycling does not tires. For your nearest tire recycling center please check the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Recycle Guide
Tissue boxes can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop off sites
First Star Recycling does not recycle tissue paper. Please dispose of this with your regular trash
Paper To-Go bags are recyclable and can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop off sites
The tubes from the center of the rolls of toilet paper are recyclable and can be placed in your curbside recycling or taken to one of our drop off sites
Toiletry bottles can be recycled by placing them in your curbside recycling or by taking them to one of our drop off locations
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® EnergyBag™, and converted into energy to produce cement, rather than ending up in a landfill. For more information on the Hefty® EnergyBag™ program please click here
First Star Recycling does not recycle wax paper. Please dispose of this with your regular trash
First Star Recycling does not recycle wet paper. Please dispose of this with your regular trash
White paper can be recycled by placing it in your curbside recycling or by taking it to one of our drop off sites
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 can be recycled by placing it in your curbside recycling or by taking it to one of our drop off sites