What Items Can Be Collected Curbside in Lincoln, NE? A Residential Guide to Local Garbage Collection
What Standard Items Are Accepted at the Curb?
Most residential curbside bins in Lincoln accept common household waste: bagged kitchen scraps, food packaging, paper goods, and non-hazardous items that fit inside your cart.
For recycling, Lincoln uses single-stream collection, meaning all accepted recyclables go in one cart with no sorting required. Accepted materials generally include plastic containers, tin cans, paper, and cardboard. One Lincoln-specific rule to know: glass bottles and jars are NOT accepted in curbside recycling. Glass must be taken to city-operated drop-off sites, including locations at Seacrest Field and North 48th Street.
What Items Are Prohibited From Curbside Pickup?
Most local garbage collection providers cannot accept hazardous household waste, including wet paints, liquid chemicals, pesticides, batteries, tires, and electronics. These must go to approved drop-off or hazardous waste facilities.
Other commonly rejected materials include Styrofoam, which must go in the regular trash or to a specialty recycler; plastic bags and film, which jam recycling equipment and should be returned to a grocery store drop-off; and sharps or medical waste, which require approved sharps containers.
How Does Yard Waste Collection Work in Lincoln?
Nebraska state law requires yard waste to be separated from household waste from April 1 through November 30. The City of Lincoln defines yard waste as grass clippings, leaves, crabgrass, and pine needles. Branches, flowers, and garden trimmings are not considered yard waste and may be bagged with regular garbage. Approved containers include paper yard waste bags, 32-gallon containers with tight-fitting lids, or 95-gallon containers provided by your hauler.
Can I Put Bulk Items Like Furniture or Appliances at the Curb?
Bulk pickup policies vary by hauler. Some providers include one free bulk item per month; others charge per item or require advance notice. Always contact your hauler before placing large items at the curb.
Is Corrugated Cardboard Accepted in Lincoln Curbside Recycling?
Yes, with conditions. Clean, dry corrugated cardboard is accepted in curbside recycling and is not permitted at the Lincoln landfill, so it must be recycled. Flatten all boxes before placing them in your recycling cart.
What Happens If I Mix Prohibited Materials with Yard Waste?
The city inspects incoming yard waste loads at the composting facility. If garbage is found mixed with yard waste, your local garbage collection provider may charge additional fees. Always keep yard waste clean and free of debris.
Ready for Reliable Curbside Service in Lincoln, NE?
Industrial Services Inc. offers residential curbside pickup with clear guidance on accepted materials, seasonal yard waste collection, and bulk item options, all backed by over 100 years of experience serving Lincoln and surrounding communities. Visit our garbage collection service page to learn more, or explore our residential waste management options to find the right plan for your home. Call (402) 467-3581 or contact us online to get started today. You can also find us on Google at Industrial Services Inc.
