Most of us have them tucked away somewhere—half-used cans of oil-based paint, old pesticides in the garage, cleaning chemicals under the sink, or leftover automotive fluids sitting on a shelf.
Over time, these everyday products can become household hazardous waste, and disposing of them improperly can create serious environmental risks. Chemicals poured down drains or thrown in the trash can pollute waterways and create hazards for sanitation workers and wildlife.
Fortunately, Lincoln and Lancaster County residents have convenient options for disposing of these materials safely.
Each year, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department hosts Household Hazardous Waste Mobile Collection events, bringing safe disposal services directly into local communities. These drive-through events are easy to use. Residents gather unwanted chemicals, put them in a leak-proof tote and bring them to a collection event.
The events help residents responsibly dispose of common household chemicals while protecting the environment we all share. Best of all, the service is provided at no cost to residents of Lincoln and Lancaster County.
2026 Mobile Collection Events
Spring Collections
- Friday, April 24 | 2–6 pm, Hickman Fire Department, 401 W. 7th St., Hickman, NE
- Saturday, April 25 | 9 am – 1 pm, Star City Shores, 4375 S. 33rd Ct., Lincoln
Fall Collections
- Friday, September 25 | 2–6 pm, Malcolm, NE (exact location to be announced)
- Saturday, September 26 | 9 am – 1 pm, Star City Shores, 4375 S. 33rd Ct., Lincoln
These events make it easier for residents to clear out garages, basements, and storage areas of potentially dangerous materials such as solvents, oil-based paints, pesticides, and other household chemicals.
Participating in these events doesn’t just help clean up your home, it also helps protect the community. Proper disposal keeps hazardous chemicals out of landfills and waterways and ensures they are handled safely and responsibly.
For residents who cannot attend one of the mobile events, Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department also operates HazToGo – Lincoln’s Hazardous Waste Center, a convenient, year-round site offering the same services as the mobile events.
Programs like these play an important role in keeping the local environment healthy and safe. Sometimes protecting the environment starts with something simple, cleaning out a shelf in the garage and bringing those materials to a place where they can be handled the right way.
For additional information about accepted materials, event details, or HazToGo visit: HazToGo.com.
