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Omaha, NE Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Cart sizes offered
48 or 96 gallons
Combined volume cap (single unit)
192 gallons
Multi-unit building cap
384 gallons
Stealing curbside recyclables
prohibited, § 33-29
Extra cart for 5+ residents
requires notarized statement

Summary

Omaha issues each single-family home one cart for trash and one for recyclables under its city-contracted curbside program, capping the combined volume at 192 gallons.

For collection provided by the city or the city's contractor, each single residential unit shall be offered one cart for waste and one cart for recyclables. The combined maximum volume of this collection of the two carts shall be 192 gallons provided at the city's expense. Those buildings that have more than one residential unit or are a group dwelling unit... shall receive two carts for waste and two carts for recyclables for the entire building and shall have a maximum volume of 384 gallons.

Source: City of Omaha Recycling ProgramView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Omaha Municipal Code § 33-46, the city or its contractor provides every single residential unit one cart for waste and one for recyclables, sized 48 or 96 gallons, with combined volume capped at 192 gallons at city expense. Multi-unit buildings get two waste and two recycling carts, capped at 384 gallons combined. Households can exceed the cap only by using paper yard-waste bags, leasing extra carts, or, for households of five or more residents, getting a notarized extra-cart request, which must include a recycling cart. Section 33-42 further limits containers to city-issued carts, and § 33-29 makes stealing curbside recyclables from the right-of-way a violation.

Violations & Fines

Setting out solid waste beyond the cart limits or outside program specs is unlawful under § 33-28; the city may refuse collection and treat the excess as litter subject to a special assessment on the property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Omaha require a separate recycling cart?
Yes, § 33-46 says each single residential unit is offered one cart for waste and one for recyclables, combined maximum 192 gallons, at city expense.
Can I use my own trash can instead of the city cart?
No. Section 33-42 limits city collection to carts issued by the city or its contractor; other containers aren't picked up under the standard program.
What happens if I put out too much waste?
The city can refuse collection of the excess and bill it as litter through a special assessment under § 33-28.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Omaha

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingHeavy RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksSignificant Restrictions

All Omaha rules

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