It's something that happens more often than you think, people stealing recyclables.

In the end we all pay for it.

Last year the city made more than a half million dollars from recycling, so people who steal materials from these containers are taking money from taxpayers.

City officials want those who use the recycling bins to make a phone call.

Andy Bolt uses the recycling bins the right way but there are others who dump the wrong things here or who actually steal from the bins.

The city wants citizens like Bolt to call a special police task force if he sees anyone taking things away from the recycling bin.

"If I saw somebody crawling around in there, I would," Bolt said. "But I think if here's any crime going on in the city I would report it."

There are people who are actually stealing from the recycling bins, especially aluminum cans and cardboard.

The thieves then sell that to recyclers,

The City of Omaha wants to that and are working with police to do it.

"The police department has a nuisance task force squad they've agreed to help us follow up on some of these reports from the citizens if they witness someone stealing from the bins or drop off sites they can call this number," Marty Grate of Omaha Public Works said.

That number to call is 402 444-5238.

The number is answered 24 hours a day, give the license plate number and the vehicle description and note the time and location of the violation.