Lincoln, NE Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum service
- Once weekly, all dwellings
- Buildings over 2 units
- Twice weekly minimum
- Who must comply
- The dwelling owner
- Enforcement
- Health Director
- First-offense fine floor
- $100 minimum
Summary
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.
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 leased dwelling by a licensed waste hauler at least twice every week. All owners shall be responsible and liable hereunder whether or not the said owner occupies or resides in the dwelling, and whether or not said dwelling is leased or rented to another. None of the requirements of this section shall constitute a duty on the part of any owner of a dwelling unit to provide for separate collection and removal of recyclables accumulated by the occupants of any rented or leased dwelling unit. (Ord. 20433 §9; January 30, 2017: prior Ord. 19544 §2; June 6, 2011).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 8.32.205 puts the collection duty on the property owner, not the tenant. Every dwelling in Lincoln must have solid waste collected and removed by a licensed waste hauler at least once a week. Once a building holds more than two dwelling units, the owner must step that up to at least twice-weekly collection for waste the occupants accumulate. The owner is on the hook whether or not they live in the unit or have it rented out, and the section does not require the owner to also arrange separate recyclables pickup.
Violations & Fines
Violating this chapter is a misdemeanor under § 8.32.260: county jail up to six months and/or a fine, with mandatory minimums of $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second, and $500 for a third and each one after. Each day of noncompliance is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Lincoln landlord have to provide trash pickup?
Does weekly garbage service also cover recycling pickup?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
Compare Lincoln to another location·View the Nebraska trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.