Recycling Centers – Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department

Find recycling drop-off locations across Cedar, Dixon, Thurston, and Wayne counties.

Dixon, Thurston, and Wayne counties.

Keep Northeast Nebraska clean and healthy. Find recycling locations in your county and learn what materials can be recycled locally.

About Recycling in Our Region

Recycling reduces waste sent to landfills, conserves natural resources, and protects environmental and public health. Each of the four counties NNPHD serves — Cedar, Dixon, Thurston, and Wayne — offers recycling options for residents and businesses.

Materials accepted vary by location. Please contact your local recycling center directly for specific guidelines on preparation, sorting, and drop-off hours.

Recycling Centers by County

Cedar County

Hartington Recycling

Community recycling drop-off available in Hartington. Contact for hours

Laurel Recycling

Serving Laurel and surrounding communities in Cedar County.

Dixon County

Ponca Recycling

Drop-off location in Ponca serving Dixon County residents.

Allen/Emerson Area

Contact local village offices for recycling options..

Thurston County

Pender Recycling

Community recycling in Pender — contact village office for hours.

Walthill/Winnebago

Contact local tribal or municipal offices for recycling options.

Wayne County

Wayne Recycling Center

Contact Wayne city offices for current hours and accepted materials. Phone: (402) 375-1733

What You Can Typically Recycle

Paper & Cardboard

Newspapers, magazines, junk mail, office paper, cardboard boxes (flattened).

Plastic Bottles & Containers

Most #1 PET and #2 HDPE bottles and jugs. Rinse and remove caps as directed.

Metal Cans

Aluminum beverage cans, steel food cans. Rinse clean before recycling.

Glass

Glass bottles and jars (some locations). Check with your center — not all accept glass.

Special Recycling

Household Hazardous Waste

Paint, pesticides, cleaners, automotive fluids, and similar materials should never go in regular trash or recycling. Watch for local hazardous waste collection events, or contact the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy for disposal options.

Electronics (E-Waste)

Old computers, TVs, phones, and other electronics contain valuable and sometimes hazardous materials. Many counties hold periodic e-waste collection events. Some retailers also accept electronics for recycling.

Prescription Medications

Never flush medications down the drain. Contact NNPHD for medication deactivation packets. One packet deactivates 90 pills -or- 12oz. liquid -or- 12 patches.

Used Oil & Batteries

Many auto parts stores and service stations accept used motor oil and automotive batteries. Rechargeable batteries can often be dropped off at electronics retailers.

Tires

Used tires can be dropped off at most tire retailers (usually for a small fee per tire). Never burn tires or dump them illegally — tire piles are fire hazards and breed mosquitoes..

Reduce & Reuse First

Recycling is important, but reducing waste in the first place is even better. Consider:

Using reusable shopping bags, water bottles, and coffee cups
Buying in bulk to reduce packaging waste
Composting food scraps and yard waste
Donating usable clothing, furniture, and household items
Repairing items instead of replacing them

SafeNetRx Program

NNPHD partners with SafeNetRx to give access to affordable medication. Over 40% of adults delayed taking or did not fill a needed prescription due to cost. The donated medication will be going to individuals who would otherwise go without their potentially lifesaving medication.

Acceptable medications:

3+ months from expiration
Sealed in tamper-evident packaging.
- Examples:
  - Bubble packs and blister Cards
  - Unused inhalers still in the packaging
  - Bottles/vials with seal underneath the cap
- Call or contact us for more information.

Need help finding recycling options? Contact NNPHD Environmental Health at (402) 375-2200 and we will connect you with the right resource for your location.