Trash & Recycling in Lincoln, NE (2026)
8 verified trash & recycling rules for Lincoln, Nebraska, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Lincoln dwelling owners must arrange weekly solid waste collection through a licensed hauler, twice weekly for buildings over two units.
Lincoln Weekly Trash Pickup Rule
Some RestrictionsLincoln Municipal Code § 8.32.205
The owner of every dwelling in the city shall provide for the collection and removal of solid waste by a licensed waste hauler at least once a week, subject to any exceptions or additional requirements provided by governing law. The owner of every dwelling containing more than two dwelling units shall provide for collection and removal of solid waste accumulated by occupants of such rented or l...
Bin Placement Rules
Lincoln requires solid waste containers to sit in an accessible, convenient spot on the property, stay covered to keep out pests, and remain in sanitary, serviceable condition under Municipal Code Section 8.32.220.
Lincoln Trash Container Placement Rules
Some RestrictionsLincoln Municipal Code Section 8.32.220
A sufficient number of containers shall be provided to store all solid waste materials prior to removal from the premises. Such containers or receptacles shall be kept on the premises in a place accessible and convenient for the collection service and kept in a sanitary and serviceable condition. All containers used for garbage shall be kept covered or closed to prevent the entrance of insects ...
Recycling Requirements
Licensed waste haulers in Lincoln must offer recycling service to every residential and commercial customer, collect recyclables at least weekly, and notify customers of the service twice a year.
Lincoln Curbside Recycling Requirements
Some RestrictionsLincoln Municipal Code § 8.32.115 (Waste Hauler to Offer Recycling Services)
Each licensed waste hauler shall offer recycling services to all residential and commercial customers. ... Each licensed waste hauler must notify each of their customers of the availability of recycling services at least two times each calendar year. At a minimum, recycling services offered shall include collection and removal of all recyclables at least once per week.
Illegal Dumping
Dumping garbage or refuse on Lincoln streets, alleys, public places, or private property outside an authorized container is a misdemeanor, punishable by escalating fines and up to six months in jail.
Lincoln Illegal Dumping Ban
Heavy RestrictionsLincoln Municipal Code § 8.32.230
It shall be unlawful for any person to deposit any garbage or refuse in any street, alley, or public place within the corporate limits of the city or within three miles thereof, except at a sanitary landfill designated by the City Council for such purpose, or at any place on private property within the same said boundaries, except in a garbage and refuse container or receptacle as hereinbefore ...
Yard Waste Collection
Lincoln requires lawn waste to go out in a degradable paper container or a lidded, water-tight bin, and exempts anyone hauling it from the waste-hauler license requirement.
Lincoln Yard Waste Container Rules
Some RestrictionsLincoln Municipal Code § 8.32.220(f)
f. Lawn waste containers: A degradable paper container or other container of suitable, two-ply moisture resistant materials that will not adversely impact composting. Lawn waste may also be contained in separate garbage cans, bulk containers, roll-offs, poly-karts, roll-outs, or toters, provided that such containers shall have suitable tight-fitting lids; be water-tight and fly-tight; and be ke...
Dumpster Rules
Lincoln requires commercial and industrial businesses to provide solid waste containers meeting city specs, and any roll-off container must be watertight metal, rust-treated, and display the owner's name and contact information in letters at least one inch tall.
Lincoln Commercial Dumpster and Roll-Off Rules
Some RestrictionsLincoln Municipal Code § 8.32.220(c)
c. Roll-off: A metal container or receptacle, treated to prevent rust, designed for collecting, storing, and transporting building rubbish, demolition debris, or hazardous industrial waste. Those roll-offs used to collect, store, or transport refuse shall in addition be of water-tight construction or the refuse stored therein shall be stored in such a manner so as to prevent leakage of liquid w...
Collection Schedule
Lincoln dwelling owners must arrange licensed weekly trash pickup, and owners of buildings with more than two units must provide twice-weekly collection for tenants.
Lincoln Weekly Garbage Collection Rule
Some RestrictionsLincoln Municipal Code § 8.32.205
The owner of every dwelling in the city shall provide for the collection and removal of solid waste by a licensed waste hauler at least once a week, subject to any exceptions or additional requirements provided by governing law. The owner of every dwelling containing more than two dwelling units shall provide for collection and removal of solid waste accumulated by occupants of such rented or l...
Recycling Rules
Licensed waste haulers in Lincoln must offer recycling service to every residential and commercial customer, collect recyclables at least weekly, and notify customers twice a year that the service exists.
Lincoln Recycling Collection Rules
Some RestrictionsLincoln Municipal Code § 8.32.115
Each licensed waste hauler shall offer recycling services to all residential and commercial customers... Each licensed waste hauler must notify each of their customers of the availability of recycling services at least two times each calendar year. At a minimum, recycling services offered shall include collection and removal of all recyclables at least once per week.
Looking for Lancaster County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lincoln city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Lancaster County →