A Solution for Hard-to-Recycle Plastics
Omaha participates in the Hefty® ReNew® program, an alternative-recycling option designed to capture plastic items that cannot be recycled through traditional methods. The lightweight plastic and foam materials collected from our community are processed separately from other recyclables, and turned into new products right here in Omaha!
To participate, you can purchase Hefty® ReNew® orange bags at many local retailers. There is a minimal cost to purchase the bags, but participation supports efforts to recover these materials locally, which keeps them out of landfills and reduces pollution.
What happens to the materials collected in orange bags?
Local orange bags and hard-to-recycle plastic materials are sorted and processed right here in Omaha! The plastics-processing facility is owned and operated by Solutions Plastic, a division of First Star Recycling, who turns our community’s orange bag materials into Reclaim™ Plastic Lumber.
Reclaim™ Plastic Lumber is made from 100% locally recycled plastic, and was intentionally designed to be a more sustainable product than other composite boards on the market. Other plastic-based decking products are blended with PVC or sawdust, but Omaha’s Reclaim™ Plastic Lumber is 100% recyclable at the end of its life. Even the cut scraps can go back into an orange bag!
The plastic lumber features:
- Wood-like appearance
- Durability and sustainability
- Moisture-, pest-, and decay-resistance
- Does not need painting, staining, or sealing
What is the plastic lumber used for?
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Decks & Outdoor Furniture -
Garden Beds & Landscaping -
Nailer Boards & Turf Installations(Photo by Nebraska Synthetic Greens)
Solutions Plastic products are engineered for demanding applications like turf installation, trailers, landscaping, and garden builds. Designed to be durable, the plastic lumber made in Omaha can last for decades with little to no maintenance.
Many schools have partnered with Solutions Plastic to use Reclaim™ Plastic Lumber in their shop classes, in garden beds and landscaping on school grounds, and for outdoor benches and seating areas.
Homeowners or landscaping firms can use plastic lumber for a variety of yard applications, from raised garden beds and edging, to other DIY landscaping projects.
Its durability and water-resistant properties make Reclaim™ Plastic Lumber a foundational choice for nailer boards, trailer beds, and in synthetic turf installations such as playgrounds.
What items are accepted in an orange bag?
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Food Prep & Packaging- Salad, fruit, and veggie bags
- Shredded cheese bags
- Plastic food packaging and grocery bags
- Plastic bag liners (for cake mix, cereals, etc.)
- Foam egg cartons and foam meat trays
- Food storage bags and plastic wrap -
Take-Out & Food Service Items- Plastic utensils, lids, and straws
- Plastic plates, bowls, and cups
- Foam cups and foam take-out containers
- Chip bags, snack bags, and granola bar wrappers -
Shipping & Packaging- Bubble wrap and air pillows
- Plastic outer wraps and plastic films
- Plastic bubble mailers (no paper)
- Foam peanuts
- Rigid foam packaging inserts and foam coolers (break into small pieces)
- Plastic shopping bags
When filled with accepted materials and tied shut, a bright orange bag is the ONLY bag that can be placed in a City of Omaha curbside recycling cart or drop-off site container. All items should be empty, clean, and dry before placing them in the orange bag. Do NOT include paper, metal or foil, or plastic bottles.
