(402) 423-3708

Where to Toss

Jump to

Garbage

Recycling

Yard Waste

How We Determine Where Each Item Goes

The City of Lincoln and our local recycling processors have rules on what can go in the landfill and recycling. We’re required to follow their guidelines.

Garbage

Why the guidelines are important

We value being good citizens by following regulations local leaders have put into place. The City of Lincoln has specific rules about what can and can’t go in the landfill. Plus, it’s important to properly dispose of dangerous items to keep people and our environment safe.

Toss in garbage

N

Regular household waste

N

Branches and sticks

N

Flowers, garden waste, and trimmings

Toss elsewhere

N

Toxic or hazardous materials

N

Yard waste, from April 1 through November 30

N

Corrugated cardboard - Lincoln Municipal Code 8.32.040

Helpful tips

N

Please have your tote out by 6:00 am on your scheduled pickup day.

N

Cut tree branches in 3' - 4' lengths and bundle with twine or rope.

N

Wash your bins with soap & water to keep them odor-free and prevent insects from breeding.

Toss, with special guidelines

N

Grass & Leaves During Winter Months

Guideline: Toss yard waste with your garbage from December through March. From April through November, The City of Lincoln requires you to separate grass and leaves from other trash so it can be composted.

N

Appliances

Guideline: Please call ahead to notify us. These items are banned from the landfill, and we have to pick them up separately. Planning ahead helps us accommodate you! Fees may apply.

N

Furniture, Mattresses, and Carpet

Guideline: Please call ahead to notify us. Large items take up extra space in our trucks, and planning ahead helps us accommodate you! If you’re throwing away carpet, please cut it into four-foot strips and roll it. Fees may apply.

N

Latex Paint

Guideline: Dry the paint out with cat litter or other absorbent material. Unopened cans can be donated to Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

N

Needles and Syringes

Guidelines: Needles and syringes are a serious danger for anyone who comes into contact with them.

    1. Place needles in a tightly sealed container.
    2. Label “BIO-HAZARD” and place on top of the trash bin.
N

Tires

Guidelines: Motor vehicle tires are banned from the landfill. Please call our office to schedule a special pickup. Extra fees apply. Old tires should not be left out in the elements as they gather water and become breeding grounds for mosquitos.

Recycling

Why the guidelines are important

Once we collect your recycling, we drop it off at two major processing centers in town. We follow their guidelines.

It’s great to get excited about sustainability, but it’s also important not to contaminate the recycling stream. Unaccepted or dirty items can make other items unusable.

Toss in recycling:

N

Plastics (#1-7)

N

Aluminum cans & foil

N

Tin cans (lids and labels accepted)

N

Newspapers

N

Magazines

N

Cardboard

N

Mixed paper

Toss elsewhere:

N

Glass containers, dishes, or glassware (Why we don’t accept glass)

N

Styrofoam/packing peanuts

N

Plastic bags, cellophane, plastic film

N

Paper towels, napkins, facial tissue

N

Automotive containers (oil, brake fluid, antifreeze, etc.)

N

Food

N

Yard waste

N

Wood

N

Scrap metal

N

Light bulbs

N

Batteries/electronics

Helpful tips:

N

Rinse food & beverage containers.

N

Return plastic grocery/shopping bags to the store for recycling.

N

Put shredded paper in a closed paper bag.

N

Put pill bottles & small plastic containers inside larger detergent bottles.

N

Use one of Lincoln’s drop-off sites when recycling glass. Learn why we don’t recycle glass.

Yard Waste

Why the guidelines are important

The City of Lincoln has banned yard waste from the Lincoln landfill from April 1 through November 30, so yard waste can be composted and free up space in our landfill.

Separate yard waste from 4/1 – 11/30

N

Grass clippings

N

Leaves

N

Crabgrass

N

Pine needles

Always toss in garbage

N

Branches

N

Sticks larger than 1 inch in diameter

N

Flowers, garden waste, and trimmings

Approved Containers

N

D&D-provided totes

N

Paper lawn bags

N

Your own garbage cans

(must be 32 gallons or smaller and weigh less than 50lbs)

Note: We cannot remove yard waste in plastic bags.

Other Resources

Hazardous Waste

Schedule an appointment to dispose of materials here:

Schedule a dropoff

Open by appointment only

Lincoln’s Hazardous Waste Center
5101 N 48th Street

402-441-8021

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

North 47th & Y Street

402-464-0100

Recycling Processors

Green Quest Recycling

FirstStar Recycling