Omaha Recycling Guide
Pens, Markers, Pencils
Not Accepted, Alternative Options Available
DO NOT place this item in a City of Omaha curbside recycling cart or drop-off site container.
Place pens, markers, or pencils in the garbage if they cannot be reused, or use an alternative option.
Where Else Could It Go?
Some online retailers offer mail-in programs and claim to recycle certain types of writing utensils for a fee. Browse online to see if there is a paid program for your item. If you cannot find an alternative method, place your item in the garbage.
The plastic, outer casing of pens and markers can be placed in an orange Hefty® ReNew® bag as long as all the inner contents and any metal components have been removed.
FirstStar Recycling offers this special program to collect hard-to-recycle plastics in our community. To participate, you can purchase orange Hefty® ReNew® bags, which will be collected through your existing curbside and drop-off site services. When filled with accepted materials and tied shut, the bright orange Hefty® ReNew® bag is the ONLY bag that can be placed in a curbside recycling cart or drop-off site container. Learn more about the local Hefty® ReNew® program:
Ways to Reduce or Reuse
Consider donating gently-used items to a local charity, community center, or thrift store along with other household items.