Landfills & Dumps in Nebraska

Nebraska's solid waste management is overseen by the Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) through the Integrated Waste Management (IWM) Program, which regulates the processing and disposal of all solid waste under Title 132 regulations. The program covers municipal solid waste disposal areas, construction and demolition waste facilities, fossil fuel combustion ash disposal areas, and industrial waste sites. All permitted disposal areas must provide financial assurance for closure and post-closure maintenance and monitoring.

A disposal fee of $2.34 is imposed for each six cubic yards of uncompacted solid waste, three cubic yards of compacted solid waste, or per ton of waste disposed at landfills, as updated by Laws 2025, LB247. Landfill operators must pay this fee quarterly to the department by the 45th day following each quarter's end. Residential self-haul fees typically run $15 to $30 per pickup load, with Lincoln and Omaha metro facilities generally charging higher rates.

Nebraska enforces several landfill bans to promote recycling and proper waste management. From April 1 to November 30, yard waste may not be disposed of in landfills, encouraging composting during the growing season. Household appliances known as white goods are banned from landfills year-round, including clothes washers, dryers, water heaters, heat pumps, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, refrigerators, freezers, trash compactors, dishwashers, conventional ovens, ranges, stoves, and wood stoves.

Agricultural communities across Nebraska face unique waste challenges. Silage plastic, grain bags, and chemical containers require specific disposal methods. Pesticide containers must be triple-rinsed before disposal, and some facilities won't accept them at all. The NDEE and local agricultural extension offices can help farmers locate proper disposal options and recycling programs for agricultural plastics and hazardous materials.

Recent permit activities include renewal of the Northeast Nebraska Solid Waste Coalition Municipal Solid Waste Landfill permit from April 2025 through April 2030. Construction and demolition waste has specific management requirements outlined in NDEE guidance documents. Before visiting any facility, contact the Waste Permit Section at NDEE.solidwaste@nebraska.gov or call (402) 471-2186 to confirm accepted materials, current fees, and operating hours.