‘Tis the Season to Recycle
Give our recycling workers the holiday gift of recycling right!
During the holidays, we see a dramatic increase in material recycled here in Lincoln. This is great! We love to see the community showing love for the planet. BUT— we also know that recycling can be confusing, so we want to make sure the items you put in the bins are actually recyclable!
These items can be recycled:
Plain Gift Paper and Paper Gift Bags
No glitter, lamination, or other embellishments.
Holiday Cards + Envelopes
Cardboard, you know it!
Clean corrugated cardboard is banned from the Lincoln Landfill. Be sure to flatten your boxes to save room for others and please remove any Styrofoam or other packing materials.
These Items should NEVER be placed in the recycling bin:
Bows + Ribbons
While some parts of gift wrapping are recyclable, please do not include bows, ribbons, or embellished wrapping papers. These items should all be placed in the trash.
String Lights
Holiday lights are a hazard to recycling equipment because of the way they easily get caught and tangled in the machines. Luckily, Lincoln holds an annual collection of lights for recycling to benefit Eastridge Elementary PTO. The Holiday Lights drive begins on November 15. Collection totes will be at all the Lincoln Fire Stations (excluding Station 8 - South 17th & Van Dorn, due to renovations). Totes will also be at Eastridge Elementary School, the Science Focus Program, and the parking lot south of A Street, Lincoln Children’s Zoo overflow lot.
Plastic Bags
Bags also tangle in recycling machinery. Do not put them in by themselves and please do not bag your other recyclables. If you are looking to recycle plastic bags, take them to the collection bins at the front of most grocery stores.
Electronics
Batteries and electronics are dangerous and can cause fires when placed in the recycling bin or trash. Batteries contain hazardous materials inside that can easily catch fire if they are punctured or overheat. Please use our ‘What Bin Does It Go In?’ app at Lincoln.ne.gov/recycle to determine where to take your old electronics.