Lincoln, NE Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing agency
- Health Director
- Roll-off material
- Rust-treated metal, water-tight
- ID display
- Owner name + contact, 1-inch letters
- Commercial pickup frequency
- At least twice weekly
- Max penalty
- $500 fine, 6 months jail
Summary
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.
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 wastes from the roll-off. The unit may or may not use an auxiliary stationary packing mechanism for compaction of material into container or receptacle and is picked up and transported to the disposal site by specially equipped truck.
d. Poly-kart, roll-out, or toter: A container or receptacle constructed of a metal frame with molecular stabilized polyethylene body, or a total unit constructed of a heavy polyethylene plastic alloy, thus being “water-tight.” Such containers shall have lids so constructed so as to prevent insect and rodent entry. Each container shall have at least two wheels and a handle for easy and safe mobility.
e. Plastic bags: Plastic bags shall not be used for storage of solid waste containing garbage or lawn waste and shall not be used in place of the aforementioned receptacles. Plastic bags may be used in the following ways:
1. As a liner for garbage cans;
2. To hold and contain garbage and refuse which is placed in one of the aforementioned container.
Full Breakdown
Lincoln Municipal Code § 8.32.200 requires the owner, agent, or manager of any commercial or industrial business to furnish waste receptacles meeting the specifications in § 8.32.220, and to have solid waste removed at least twice a week. Under § 8.32.220(c), a roll-off is defined as a metal container treated to prevent rust, built for collecting and hauling building rubbish, demolition debris, or hazardous industrial waste, and it must be water-tight or the waste stored to prevent liquid leakage. Every roll-off, and every front- or rear-loading container of any size, must display the owner's name and a valid address or phone number in letters at least one inch high.
Violations & Fines
Failing to comply is a misdemeanor under § 8.32.260: up to $500 and six months in jail, with escalating minimum fines of $100, $250, and $500 for repeat offenses; each day is a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
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