Where to Toss
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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
Regular household waste
Branches and sticks
Flowers, garden waste, and trimmings
Toss elsewhere
Toxic or hazardous materials
Yard waste, from April 1 through November 30
Corrugated cardboard - Lincoln Municipal Code 8.32.040
Helpful tips
Please have your tote out by 6:00 am on your scheduled pickup day.
Cut tree branches in 3' - 4' lengths and bundle with twine or rope.
Wash your bins with soap & water to keep them odor-free and prevent insects from breeding.
Toss, with special guidelines
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.
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.
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.
Latex Paint
Guideline: Dry the paint out with cat litter or other absorbent material. Unopened cans can be donated to Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
Needles and Syringes
Guidelines: Needles and syringes are a serious danger for anyone who comes into contact with them.
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- Place needles in a tightly sealed container.
- Label “BIO-HAZARD” and place on top of the trash bin.
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:
Plastics (#1-7)
Aluminum cans & foil
Tin cans (lids and labels accepted)
Newspapers
Magazines
Cardboard
Mixed paper
Toss elsewhere:
Glass containers, dishes, or glassware (Why we don’t accept glass)
Styrofoam/packing peanuts
Plastic bags, cellophane, plastic film
Paper towels, napkins, facial tissue
Automotive containers (oil, brake fluid, antifreeze, etc.)
Food
Yard waste
Wood
Scrap metal
Light bulbs
Batteries/electronics
Helpful tips:
Rinse food & beverage containers.
Return plastic grocery/shopping bags to the store for recycling.
Put shredded paper in a closed paper bag.
Put pill bottles & small plastic containers inside larger detergent bottles.
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
Grass clippings
Leaves
Crabgrass
Pine needles
Always toss in garbage
Branches
Sticks larger than 1 inch in diameter
Flowers, garden waste, and trimmings
Approved Containers
D&D-provided totes
Paper lawn bags
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