Waste Management & Hazardous Materials

Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG) Event Information

Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG) collection events assist eligible businesses by providing disposal or recycling of hazardous waste at reduced prices. Smaller businesses such as non-profits, churches, childcare centers, and home occupations may be unable to find disposal companies to manage their hazardous waste because of low volumes generated or may find that costs are prohibitive. Lancaster County has partnered with a federally licensed contractor to provide periodic collection of acceptable hazardous waste at volume pricing. Your participation is completely voluntary. If you are a business in Lancaster County and want to participate is this voluntary program contact Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department at 402-441-8002.

Qualifications:

Businesses that generate less than 27 gallons or 220 pounds of hazardous waste and less than 2.2 pounds of acutely hazardous chemicals per month may qualify for this program. The most common types of small businesses that qualify are painters, print shops, auto shops, builders, local government agencies, and small medical offices.

Benefits:

This is an excellent opportunity for small businesses to properly and economically dispose or recycle hazardous waste. Some compelling reasons to participate are:

• Reduced Costs – Only a fraction of the cost you would pay through directly contracted services.
• Reduced Paperwork - Exemption from hazardous waste manifests and document fees.
• Reduced Liability – The federally licensed contractor assumes generator status of the hazardous waste and maintains all permits and approvals required.
• Fewer Permits – Materials disposed of through this program would not require special waste permitting.
• Convenient Schedule – An appointment time will be arranged with you. Drop off of waste is during the twice annual, one day event at a designated location.

Wastes that are accepted are:

Aerosols, corrosives, pesticides, flammable solids or liquids, adhesives, asbestos, mercury, poisons, paint, solvents, cylinders, oxidizers, photo fluids, PCB ballasts and mineral spirits.

Please Note: Radioactive materials, Explosives, and Biohazards/Infectious wastes are NOT accepted.

If you are a business in Lancaster County and want to participate is this voluntary program contact Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department at 402-441-8002. Also, please print, fill out, sign and send the CESQG Waste Form(PDF, 302KB) to either our email: spwaste@lincoln.ne.gov or fax number: 402-441-3890 upon completion.

Recycling, Disposal and Pollution Prevention Options

Many business wastes can be recycled please use our quick links below to help guide you in recycling your materials:

Rules and Regulations

There are state and local regulations that businesses need to follow when disposing waste. Below you will see a list of rules and regulations for your reference. For additional information contact the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department’s Special Waste Program at 402-441-8002.

Special Waste

Special Waste has the potential to create a negative effect on the public health or the environment. Because of its characteristics, special waste requires special handling at the Landfill or is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, and City of Lincoln’s Municipal Code.

Our goal is to ensure the proper management of wastes from industries, commercial businesses, and home occupations that may pose a hazard to health and the environment emphasizing pollution prevention at the source.

Here are some additional quick links that will help businesses identify their needs with special waste:

• Inventory Form(PDF, 444KB)
• Special Waste Industry Subgroups(PDF, 39KB)
• Special Waste Types and Quantities Regulated(PDF, 252KB)
• Trap Waste and Liquid Waste Hauler Information(PDF, 3MB)
• Used Cooking Oil/Grease and Animal By-Products(PDF, 1MB)

Hazardous Waste

How do I know if my waste is hazardous?

Hazardous waste is a waste with properties that make it dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment. A RCRA hazardous waste is a waste that appears on one of the four hazardous wastes lists (F-list, K-list, P-list, or U-list) found in the  Code of Federal Regulations Title 40 that governs hazardous waste. To find out if a waste is a regulated hazardous waste under RCRA Subtitle C, the first step is to determine if the waste meets the definition of "solid waste" under RCRA Subtitle C. For more information on this topic, see the Definition of Solid Waste area. For more information on characteristic and listed wastes, see the Hazardous Waste area.

What Generator Status is My Business?

The EPA’s webpage on Hazardous Waste Generators will help your business determine the generator status that applies to your organization.

Here is a list of hazardous waste transporters.(PDF, 86KB)

For additional information contact the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department’s Special Waste Program at 402-441-8002.

• Lincoln’s Municipal Code
• Title 128 & 132 - Nebraska Hazardous Waste and Integrated Solid Waste Management Regulations
• Safety Data Sheets (Material Safety Data Sheets-MSDS Sheets)
• Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy
• Environmental Protection Agency Region 7
• Nebraska Recycling Council - Recycling resource

Why Do People Litter?

• Approximately 85% of littering is the result of individual attitudes. The individual person and their behavior is the most important factor in whether littering will occur.
• One of the biggest reasons why people litter is the prevalence of existing litter - individuals are much more likely to litter into already littered environments. The presence of litter in an area sends a message that littering is acceptable.
• People often feel it is acceptable to litter where it is someone else’s job to clean up (such as a school with a custodial/maintenance staff that manages school grounds) or where there is no sense of ownership.
• Other factors that can contribute to litter include excess packaging, availability of garbage and recycling receptacles and lack of enforcement for existing litter regulations.
• Studies have found that young people, under the age of 35, are twice as likely to litter as people between the ages of 35-49, and three times as likely to litter as people over 50.

Why Does it Matter?

Litter can have several negative effects on a community, including the following:

• Property values decrease in littered areas.
• Crime increases in littered areas.
• Litter has a large financial impact. It costs the U.S. almost $11.5 billion annually, money that could be used for other community improvements.
• New businesses and residents are less likely to locate in littered areas.
• Litter pollutes the environment and can be hazardous to wildlife.
• Recreation areas become less attractive and tourism can decrease.

Additional Resources

• Clean Community Guide(PDF, 1MB)
• Keep America Beautiful
• Keep Nebraska Beautiful

Community Improvement Grant Program

• Promotes litter cleanups and recycling in Lincoln and Lancaster County.
• Grants are awarded to community groups and individuals who conduct litter cleanups in public areas.
• This includes areas along streets, curbs, alleys and sidewalks, in parks and other open spaces.

• Grant Guidelines(PDF, 229KB)
• Grant Application Form
• Final Report Form

Neighborhood Association and County Grant Program

• These grants are available to neighborhood associations and Lancaster County hamlets/villages/cities only.
• This grant assists neighborhood associations by reimbursing expenses associated with community or neighborhood cleanup projects such as landfill fees, dumpsters, and recycling fees.
• Grants are awarded based on reimbursable costs.

• Grant Guidelines(PDF, 305KB)
• Grant Application
• Final Report Form

Not sure which grant is right for you? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.(PDF, 423KB)

Resources

• Volunteer Waivers(PDF, 60KB)
• Cleanup Equipment(PDF, 260KB)

Volunteer For A Clean, Green, Healthy Community

Whether it is picking up a piece of litter, using your reusable grocery bags, or ensuring that recycling happens in your office, we want to you to make our community a little bit cleaner, greener, and healthier every day.

KLLCB’s organizational goals are accomplished by these every-day efforts that change our behaviors, as well as volunteer opportunities. Volunteer opportunities can accommodate both groups and individuals. Most projects have a flexible schedule and can accommodate the needs of the volunteers. Contact KLLCB at kllcb@lincoln.ne.gov to begin a conversation about volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer Project Examples

Litter cleanups: Help maintain a clean City and County. Cleanups must take place in public areas including streets, alleys, County roads, parks, schools and recreation areas. Volunteers are assigned a specific area for cleanup and are supplied with trash bags, safety vests and other equipment. These projects can be scheduled throughout the year. They are a great volunteer opportunity for groups and are open to all ages.

Storm Water Awareness Program (SWAP): Label storm drains with “Drains to Creek” markers to help prevent waterway pollution. You decide the time and number of volunteers and we’ll map out an area of storm drains that need labels. For more information on the SWAP program look within the Programs section on this page.

Special Projects: Sometimes we need volunteers for special events or activities that only happen a few times a year. These organized efforts will provide a time, place, and specific activity in the description.

Coupons are available to residents through KLLCB that allow free disposal of one load of brush/tree limbs to the North 48th Street Transfer Station. Contact the KLLCB office at 402-441-8035 for information on obtaining brush coupons.

A collaboration between Lincoln and Lancaster Health Department and Lincoln Transportation and Utilities.

The 4th of July - a time for parades, backyard barbecues and of course, fireworks. With the focus on fun, an important part of the celebration often gets forgotten. Every year following Independence Day, Lincoln and other Lancaster County communities are littered with fireworks debris. This summer Keep Lincoln & Lancaster County Beautiful (KLLCB) encourages residents to be responsible community members with one simple request: start with a boom, end with a broom.

For a Clean Community

Preventing litter is essential to a clean, healthy and safe community. Litter tends to accumulate in places that are already littered, and in littered communities property values go down, crime rates go up and businesses stay away. Local governments spend millions each year keeping communities clean.

For a Healthy Environment

Litter is harmful to the natural environment. Left unattended, it can be washed down storm drains and into streams, rivers and lakes. This makes our natural areas look bad and can harm wildlife. Fireworks in particular are made from several potentially harmful substances, including gunpowder and various metallic compounds. These substances can pollute air, water and soil

To Be a Good Neighbor

Cleaning up your litter is also part of being a good neighbor. Litter rarely stays in one place and someone else may get stuck cleaning up your mess.

Here’s a few helpful tips for cleaning up your fireworks debris:

• Have the right cleanup equipment ready.
• Allow spent fireworks to sit for several minutes.
• Use a broom to sweep up debris.
• As a final precaution, temporarily place in a metal bucket or a bucket with sand or water.
• Place cool fireworks in regular trash for disposal.
• Fireworks debris must NOT be taken to City recycling collector sites.
• Unused fireworks should NOT be placed in regular trash bins or recycling bins.
• While picking up debris in their neighborhoods, residents are encouraged to participate in the “If It’s In Our Streets, It’s In Our Streams” fireworks awareness campaign.

What We’re Doing: KLLCB is working with community partners to get fireworks debris cleaned up this 4th of July. We’ll be working with neighborhoods, County villages, local media and fireworks retailers to remind residents to clean up, support community cleanups and conduct surveys to determine the extent of the fireworks debris problem.

Know the law. View fireworks regulations for the City of Lincoln.

The Great American Cleanup (GAC), a program of Keep America Beautiful, is the nation's largest community improvement program with about four million volunteers participating in more than 20,000 communities across the country. The GAC encourages residents to become involved in their community and help build a sense of pride and ownership around their local environment.

March through May of each year KLLCB organizes and supports cleanup projects throughout Lancaster County. Businesses, community organizations, families, clubs and individuals are encouraged to conduct litter cleanups in public spaces. To be a part of the Great American Cleanup, visit our volunteer section on this page.

Every year KLLCB spends thousands of dollars to clean up tires, furniture, construction debris, garbage and other materials illegally dumped by residents. Legal disposal options for all of the items commonly cleaned up by KLLCB can be found in the City’s This is your guide to saving the planet(PDF, 3MB).

What can you do? Report illegal dumping acts in progress. If you are in the City of Lincoln CALL the Lincoln Police Department at (402) 441-6000. Outside City limits CALL the Sheriff's Department at (402) 441-6500. If you come across an illegal dump site, report it to the Police, Sheriff, or call the Health Department at (402) 441-8022.

Do you value clean lakes and streams?

Every September and October hundreds of volunteers in Lincoln and Lancaster County donate their time to keep local waterways clean, healthy and safe. As part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) program, KLLCB organizes volunteers to remove litter and debris from local streams, rivers and lakes.

These cleanups are essential if you enjoy fishing at Wildwood, boating at Branched Oak or camping at Wagon Train. When visiting these sites you can't help but notice bottles, cans and old fishing gear littering shorelines and park areas. Volunteers for the ICC program are asked to complete data cards that record the amount of litter collected.

The cleanliness of our waterways in Lancaster County can impact rivers and oceans downstream. While it's true the nearest ocean is almost one thousand miles away, 80% of trash found in oceans starts out on land. For example, an empty soda bottle left on the ground can enter storm drains in Lincoln, travel to area streams and rivers and potentially reach the ocean. Even though oceans are not part of our daily lives, trash-filled seas affect the quality of life for people in Nebraska in several ways:

• Air - oceans produce half the world's oxygen and absorb nearly one-third of manmade carbon dioxide emissions.
• Food- seafood is a large food source for millions of people. Ingredients that go in to other foods (such as peanut butter, beer and soy milk) also come from the ocean.
• Transportation - Many everyday goods come from other countries and must travel by ship to get here.
• Livelihoods - approximately half the world's population lives in coastal zones, and the ocean sustains millions of jobs. A large tourism and recreation industry is also dependent on the ocean.
• Medicines & cosmetics - ocean resources can be found in everything from shampoos and makeup to medicines that fight cancer and other diseases.

Litter and debris is also harmful to aquatic life. It destroys habitat, harms or kills animals through entanglement or ingestion and transports invasive species.

ICC started in Texas in 1989 and has grown into an annual event that mobilizes millions of volunteers around the world to clean beaches, lakes, riversides and other waterways.

Groups with boats, canoes and kayaks are needed to reach inaccessible areas. Cleanup equipment and detailed instructions are provided by KLLCB. For more information call 402-441-8035 or e-mail: kllcb@lincoln.ne.gov

KLLCB works with local businesses to encourage them to keep their parking lots, sidewalks, curbs and gutters free of litter, weeds and other debris. A checklist is available for businesses that contains strategies and tips to help reduce litter and keep a clean storefront. Of particular concern to businesses is cigarette litter. Cigarettes are the most frequently littered item, with an estimated 4.5 trillion non-biodegradable cigarette butts littered worldwide every year. Cigarette litter not only creates an unsightly storefront- the toxic residue in cigarette filters is damaging to the environment. KLLCB’s business checklist provides techniques to help reduce cigarette litter. For more information about cigarette litter, visit Keep America Beautiful

Download(PDF, 46KB) the Litter-Free Business Checklist. If you need additional assistance keeping your business clean and litter free, contact the KLLCB office at 402-441-8035.

Presentation about the Storm Water Awareness Program

Unlike the water in your house, rainwater – and the water we use on lawns & gardens – does not go to a wastewater treatment plant. Instead, this water runs off into storm drains and eventually reaches local lakes and streams. Anything picked up from this runoff or dumped directly into storm drains - litter, grass clippings, fertilizers, pesticides, motor oil, and sediment – also enters the natural environment. These pollutants can harm fish and other aquatic life and may enter groundwater supplies.

The SWAP program helps educate residents about the importance of keeping local waterways clean. As part of this effort, volunteers are recruited to mark storm drains with a “No Dumping - Drains to Creek” message and distribute educational material to area households.

Some Facts About Storm Water Pollution

• Wildlife can mistake litter for food and can become entangled or ingest it, blocking airways and systems.
• Pet and yard waste contain both bacteria and oxygen-consuming materials that lead to fish kills.
• Homeowners often apply much more fertilizer than necessary. Excess fertilizer can lead to algal blooms which kill everything in lakes.
• Americans improperly dispose – by illegally dumping into storm drains, directly on the ground, or discarding in landfills – of an estimated 200 million gallons of just used motor oil annually.
• One gallon of used oil has the potential to contaminate up to 1 million gallons of drinking water.

What Can You Do?

• Don't pour anything except water in a gutter or down a storm drain.
• Keep your neighborhood free of litter and yard waste.
• Properly dispose of pet waste.
• Fix your vehicle's oil leaks.
• Don't overuse fertilizers or pesticides.
• Use a mulching mower to reduce the need to fertilize.
• Take used motor oil and antifreeze to a recycling location.
• Wash out paint brushes used with latex paint in your household sink.
• Dispose of leftover paint properly. Visit the Household Hazardous Materials page for more information.

Don't be a part of the pollution source! If you would like to help with this program visit our volunteer section on this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find frequently asked questions related to maintaining a clean community. If you do not find an answer to your question here, please contact the KLLCB office.

Also available is our Clean Community Guide(PDF, 1MB) . This Guide provides additional information on how you and your neighbors can work toward a clean community, including quality of life ordinances, information on pet waste, illegal signs, and wood piles.

Garbage Containers

All garbage and refuse must be stored in proper receptacles (a galvanized metal or rigid plastic container not greater than 32 gallons in size) or toters, which have a tight fitting lid and is waterproof. A plastic bag is not considered a proper trash container. All dwellings are required to have garbage service. Call 402-475-3876 for information on refuse haulers. More information on Garbage Container features is available here.(PDF, 2MB)

Refuse Accumulation

Brush, trash, refuse, litter, scrap metal, appliances, vehicle parts or other debris cannot be allowed to accumulate and stored on the premises in a way that promotes rodent or insect harbourage.

Wood

It is recommended that scrap wood, lumber or firewood be neatly stacked one foot off the ground and away from buildings in order to prevent rodent and insect infestation.

Vehicle & Vehicle Parts

Inoperable, wrecked or dismantled vehicles and all parts, including tires, must be stored inside or removed from the property.

Hazardous Materials

Vehicle batteries are considered hazardous and must be properly stored indoors in a safe place. Used oil must be properly stored indoors and recycled. Pesticides, herbicides, antifreeze and other hazardous chemicals must be safely stored indoors. Visit the city website for more information (Keyword: hazardous).

Standing Water

Containers which collect water create a mosquito breeding habitat. This includes tires, cans, plastic containers and any container that can collect water. Rinse bird baths at least twice a week. Empty containers at least twice a week from April - October.

Pet Manure

Remove pet manure every five days or more if necessary. Bag and dispose of in a proper garbage container.

Weeds

Weeds provide mosquito and rodent harborage. Weeds and grass must be kept six inches or less in height.

Yard Waste/Compost Piles

If grass clippings are used as mulch, spread out thinly to dry in order to avoid odors. Compost piles must be properly constructed and maintained (regularly mixed at least weekly), and located 25 feet from any adjacent dwelling unit. They should not contain meat scraps, bones, grease, whole eggs, dairy products or pet waste. (Contact UNL Extension at 402-441-7180 for more information.)

Refrigerators

Refrigerators and freezers with doors cannot be stored outside unless secured so that the door cannot be opened, or the door is removed. Visit the city website for more information (Keyword: recycling).

Tires

Tires must be stored so water cannot collect in them. Tires should be recycled. Check with your waste hauler before placing tires at the curb. Many tire retailers will dispose of used tires for a fee, check with a dealer. Visit the city website for more information (Keyword: recycling).

Brush Piles

Brush piles are not allowed as they provide prime habitat for rodents and other disease carrying animals. Set out brush in easily managed bundles, 4 feet or less in length, for the refuse hauler.

When solid waste is not properly managed it can become a public health nuisance. Some examples of solid waste nuisances which can affect public health are listed below:

• Garbage (animal, fruit or vegetable waste)
• No garbage service, garbage not in cans with lids
• Litter
• Tires off rims (only between April – October)
• Illegal salvaging Improper composting
• Sewage discharge
• Vehicle leaking automotive fluids
• Chemicals stored outside or are leaking
•  

In most cases, citizens report complaints to the Health Department and the property owner and occupant are notified. Through educational outreach and explanation of the codes, staff are able to obtain compliance in a majority of the cases. When compliance is not achieved enforcement action may be taken.

All rental property in Lincoln must have garbage service provided by their Landlord. If the property has three or more apartments, Lincoln Municipal Code requires a minimum of twice a week garbage service. Many commercial properties, especially restaurants, will have daily garbage service.

In order for someone to haul garbage or refuse from a home or business they must have a permit from the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department. There are over 30 licensed refuse haulers in Lincoln and Lancaster County. To find out who hauls garbage in your neighborhood see what other garbage containers are nearby and get the name and phone number from the container. Or you may call the Lincoln Solid Waste Management Association at 402-475-8360.

To report a property with one of the above nuisance conditions, contact the Health Department at 402-441-8022. The specific address (house number and street) is needed in order to send a letter to the owner of the property and conduct a follow-up inspection. If the situation you are concerned about is not listed, please contact the Health Department so we may direct you to the proper agency. Other agencies that may be able to provide assistance include:

• Lancaster County Extension at 402-441-7180 for pest identification such as mice, cockroaches, and bed bugs.
• Building and Safety at 402-441-7785 for junk and debris on residential property. The specific house address is required.
• Lincoln Police Department at 402-441-7204 for junk cars. A description of the vehicle, the color, make, and model, and specific address are required.