Lincoln, NE Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Location
- Accessible, convenient for collection crew
- Cover requirement
- Must stay covered or closed
- Site condition
- Kept clean and well-maintained
- Labeling
- 90+ gal containers need owner ID
- Penalty
- Up to $500 fine, six months jail
Summary
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.
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 and rodents. The location of the containers or receptacle shall be kept clean and wellmaintained. Each front-loading, rear-loading, and roll-off container of any size, and all poly-karts and roll-outs exceeding ninety gallons in capacity must display the name of the owner of the container and either a valid current address or valid current telephone number where the owner of the container can be contacted. This information must be displayed in letters at least one inch in height and must be so located as to be easily read. (Ord. 19544 §4; June 6, 2011: prior Ord. 16209 §3; August 31, 1992: Ord. 15562 §22; May 14, 1990: P.C. §8.28.170: Ord. 14373 §21; April 21, 1986).
Full Breakdown
Lincoln's solid waste code requires containers to be kept on the premises in a spot that's accessible and convenient for the collection crew, not tucked away where a hauler can't reach them. Garbage containers must stay covered or closed to keep out insects and rodents, and the container's location itself has to stay clean and well-maintained -- not just the can. Front-loading, rear-loading, and roll-off containers of any size, plus poly-karts and roll-outs over ninety gallons, must display the owner's name and a current address or phone number in letters at least one inch tall. Violations fall under the chapter's general penalty for solid waste offenses.
Violations & Fines
Violating the chapter's container rules is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail or a fine of $100 to $500 per Municipal Code Section 8.32.260, with escalating minimum fines for repeat offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I have to keep my trash cans in Lincoln?
Do I need to label my trash cart?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
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