Recycling

All school sites and support buildings have participated in the LPS Recycling Program since 2002.

Each school has the flexibility to decide how students will be engaged in the program. Collections are done by many different groups, such as specific grade levels, like kindergarten classes studying ‘Garbology’ or a 5th grade science class.

Other groups include school Green Teams, student councils, Community Learning Center after-school programs, and Special Education classes.

Quick Links

Cans4Books Recycling Drive
LPS Recycling Guidelines
LPS Waste Diversion Reports
City of Lincoln Resources

What We Recycle

The categories below are all recyclable within LPS! Items should be placed into the appropriate bin or container for recycling. Separating by category helps to ensure your items can be recycled as intended. To view the district’s complete recycling guideline presentation, click here.

Mixed Office Paper

Mixed Office Paper

Copier and lined paper of any color or size, cardstock, adhesive notes, envelopes, ream wrappers, newspaper, magazines, paperboard, and chipboard.
Learn more

Cans & Plastic

Cans & Plastic

Bottles and containers made of plastics #1, #2, #5, aluminum cans, tin cans.
Learn more

Cardboard

Cardboard

Flattened, dry cardboard free from food residue can be tucked behind or in between classroom or office bins for custodial staff to collect.
Learn more

Markers

Markers

Schools can collect markers, pens, mechanical pencils, and caps from any brand and send the box to Operations for recycling.
Download flyer

Electronic Waste, Printer Cartridges, and Batteries

Electronic Waste, Printer Cartridges, and Batteries

Place these items in a box labeled "Please Recycle" and send them to the LPS Distribution Center to be recycled. Electronics and other LPS-purchased property must be sent to the Distribution Center to be reused or recycled through district contracts.

Miscellaneous Items

Miscellaneous Items

Recycling of materials such as fluorescent light tubes, used motor oil, used tires, and scrap metal is managed by LPS custodial and maintenance staff.

Hard-to-Recycle Plastics

Hard-to-Recycle Plastics

LPS Sustainability is now offering Hefty ReNew bags to schools upon request. These bags are designed to collect plastics that cannot be processed via normal recycling channels.
Request Bags

Kindergarten Garbology

Every year, Lincoln Public Schools’ newest students learn how to reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost. Guest presenters then expand on how students can already take part in having a positive impact on their community and the environment through litter prevention and clean ups. 

LPS Sustainability is proud to partner with Keep Lincoln & Lancaster County Beautiful and City of Lincoln Solid Waste Management to create these experiences for students.

and MORE!

View these activities and more on the Green Schools Recognition Program Activity List! 

Want more ideas? Check out the activities through Eco-Schools U.S.