Tag Archives: political

Apparently a few years ago, the City of Omaha decided to stop recycling glass curbside. As a whole, the city is abysmal with its overall recycling policies too. Driving down the streets on recycling day, I see very few bins. I’d at first have said it’s a Midwest thing…but discovered nearby cities like Des Moines have wonderful recycling programs, so that’s not it.

As with any municipal program, it likely comes down to money. Glass is heavy and costs more (and is worth less) to recycle than coke cans. As such, the city simply stopped it. In addition, right across the border is Council Bluffs, and Iowa has a 5 cent deposit for returned glass bottles. I should just haul my glass across the border and make some cold cash!

Alas, even if my trunk was full of months of glass bottles, and I spent all afternoon redeeming them via the machines in Iowa, I’d have a wasted afternoon and maybe five bucks for my trouble. I just want to get rid of this stuff responsibly! There are dropoffs in Omaha for glass; receptacles in a few grungy lots across the city, but none close to home…this looks like my best bet though. Either that or just pitching the bottles in with our trash.

Oh well, it’s just a few bottles…i’ll get over it. Besides, who cares about mountains of glass when you also live in the city with some of the most toxic tapwater? I also don’t want you to think that I’m bashing the fine folks in this city…well maybe some of them…such as the folks they chose to govern.