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Lincoln, NE Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Minimum pickup frequency
Once a week per dwelling
3+ unit buildings
Twice a week required
Who must arrange it
The dwelling's owner
Hauler requirement
Must be a licensed waste hauler
Recycling pickup
Not required by this section

Summary

Lincoln dwelling owners must arrange weekly solid waste collection through a licensed hauler, twice weekly for buildings over two units.

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.

Source: Lincoln Municipal CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Lincoln Municipal Code § 8.32.205 puts the collection duty on the property owner, not the city: every dwelling must have solid waste picked up by a licensed waste hauler at least once a week, and any dwelling with more than two units must get twice-weekly pickup. The owner is on the hook whether or not they live there or lease the unit out. The section is explicit that this collection duty does not include recyclables, recycling pickup is a separate, non-mandatory arrangement under § 8.32.225.

Violations & Fines

Failure to provide required collection is enforced under Chapter 8.32's general penalty: a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail or a fine up to $500, with mandatory minimums of $100 (1st offense), $250 (2nd), and $500 (3rd and later).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the city of Lincoln pick up my trash?
No. Lincoln uses licensed private waste haulers, not municipal crews. The property owner must contract with one for weekly pickup.
Is weekly pickup enough for an apartment building?
Only for buildings with two units or fewer. Dwellings with more than two units need collection at least twice a week.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lincoln

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingHeavy RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue PermitsSignificant Restrictions

All Lincoln rules

Compare Lincoln to another location·View the Nebraska trash & recycling overview

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