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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I take old clothing, household furniture and building materials for reuse or recycling?

Lawrence has several thrift and re-sale stores providing reuse opportunities for many items. Planet Aid also accepts bagged, dry clothing and shoes in yellow containers located throughout Lawrence. Several online ‘swapmeets' are available to area residents as well. Visit our Reuse Opportunities page for more information.

Is curbside recycling service available in Lawrence?

There are multiple local companies that offer curbside recycling service to residents and businesses in Lawrence. Click here for company contact information.

Where in Lawrence can I drop off materials for recycling?

Lawrence has several privately owned drop-off centers offering residents and businesses recycling options for many different types of materials. Click here for locations and a list of items accepted.  In addition, there are municipal recycling drop-off bins throughout town for cardboard, newspaper and mixed paper. Click here to find the location nearest you.

Does the City provide any recycling services for businesses?

Yes. The City of Lawrence Waste Reduction and Recycling Division provides both corrugated cardboard and office paper recycling programs. There is no additional charge for the recycling containers or this service. Click here for more information.

Where can I recycle electronics such as computers and televisions?

Local drop-off and manufacturer take back options are available. Visit our Electronics Recycling page to learn more.

Where can I dispose of or recycle small appliances, like toasters and microwaves?

Small appliances can be disposed of legally in your household trash, but can be recycled also. Visit our Electronics Recycling Event page for more information or call the Waste Reduction and Recycling office at (785) 832-3030.

Where can I recycle burned out fluorescent, HID, neon or other mercury containing lamps?

Any lamp or bulb labeled "Hg" contains mercury vapor. Recycling mercury containing lamps prevents the release of mercury into the environment and allows for the reuse of glass, metals and other materials that make up these lights. Visit our Fluorescent Lamp Recycling page for information on recycling options for both households and businesses.

What should I do if I break a fluorescent light bulb in my home?

Fluorescent light bulbs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing. Click here for the latest EPA clean up and disposal recommendations for fluorescent bulbs.

How can I dispose of excess or expired medications and pharmaceuticals?

Research has found medications and their byproducts in ground and surface waters, suggesting that disposal of unused or outdated medicine down the toilet is not a completely effective way of preventing contamination. For a few options on proper disposal, click here (PDF, 76K). 

How can I dispose of used motor oil, leftover paint, cleaners, solvents, pesticides, batteries and other household hazardous waste?

Household hazardous waste represents a wide variety of wastes which are produced as a result of normal household activities. Each of these products may pose a threat to sanitation workers or public health and the environment when improperly handled or disposed.

There are several drop-off recycling locations in Lawrence for motor oil, antifreeze and lead acid batteries. Click here for a list of these locations.

The City of Lawrence/Douglas County Household Hazardous Waste Facility accepts a wide variety of hazardous materials from Douglas County households for proper disposal. To find out more, click here.

As a small business, what are my options for hazardous waste disposal?

The City of Lawrence/Douglas County Small Quantity Generator program can provide hazardous waste disposal for qualifying small businesses in Douglas County. For more information, click here.

Where can I obtain free paint and household cleaners?

The City of Lawrence/Douglas County Household Hazardous Waste Facility distributes paint, cleaners and other items that are in good, usable condition to the public free of charge. Visit our Product Reuse Program for more information.

Where can I find information on backyard composting?

The City of Lawrence Waste Reduction and Recycling Division has a wealth of information on backyard composting. Visit our Backyard Composting page for detailed information on how you can get started.

How can I compost my food scraps using worms?

The process of using worms and microorganisms to convert organic waste into black, earthy-smelling, nutrient-rich humus is known as vermicomposting. The worms work by feeding on the rotten organic waste added to the worm bin and the resulting vermicompost is actually a mix of worm castings and other organic materials. For more information, visit our Worm Composting page.

Does the City pick up yard trimmings (grass, leaves and small woody debris) from my curb?

The City picks up yard waste which includes grass, leaves and small woody debris from households on Mondays from March through mid-December (weather permitting), except on holidays. Material must be set out at the curb by 6:00 a.m. in City carts, cans or compostable yard waste paper bags. Bundles of tree and brush trimmings are also accepted. Each bundle must not exceed 5 feet in length nor 18 inches in diameter and must not weigh more than 65 pounds. Bundles must be tied with string or twine (please no wire, duct tape, etc.). Yard waste set out in plastic bags will not be picked up. Please place material in proper containers. For more information, click here.

What can I do with brush and trimmed tree limbs?

Set it out in cans, City carts, compostable paper bags or bundles by 6a.m. for curbside collection on Mondays, March through mid-December. Woody debris can also be dropped off on Saturdays from 10a.m. to 2p.m., from mid-April through mid-November at the City's Wood Recovery and Composting Facility, 1420 E. 11th Street. Cost is $5 per truckload.

Does the City pick up bundled tree branches and other woody debris?

There are two options for disposal of woody debris: woody debris drop-off and curbside collection on Mondays for composting. Click here for detailed information.

Small woody debris may be placed with Monday yard trimmings for composting. Please place in a preferred container (cans, City carts or compostable paper bags), protruding no more than one foot above the container opening. Bundles of tree and brush trimmings are also accepted. Each bundle must not exceed 5 feet in length nor 18 inches in diameter and must not weigh more than 65 pounds. Bundles must be tied with string or twine (please no wire, duct tape, etc.).

How can I recycle my Christmas tree?

A. After the Christmas holiday, the Solid Waste Division picks up live-cut trees for reuse as wildlife habitat. Please remove all artificial items including tinsel, lights, and tree stand. Have your tree set out at the curb by 6a.m. for pickup. Visit our Christmas Tree-Cycling page for more information including exact dates or call the Solid Waste office at (785) 832-3022.

Does the City distribute the compost it makes from yard trimmings?

A. Yes, the City hosts a Spring Compost Sale and a Fall Compost Sale in which the finished compost is sold to residents for use on their home lawns and gardens. For specific details, click here.

When and where can I purchase wood chips from the City of Lawrence?

A. The City hosts a Spring Wood Chip Sale and a Fall Wood Chip Sale in which the ground wood chips are sold to residents for use on their tree plantings and gardens. Visit the Community Compost and Wood Chip Sale page for more information.

When is residential trash picked up if there is a holiday?

A. The solid waste service schedule will fluctuate depending on which day the holiday falls on. Visit our Residential Refuse Collection page for more information or call the Solid Waste office at (785) 832-3022.

What time should I have my trash set out, where do I set it and what happens if my trash is missed?

A. The City of Lawrence begins residential collection service at 7a.m. Please have all refuse out by this time on your day of service. The location of your set out is dependent on your address, so please call the Solid Waste Division at (785) 832-3022 for specific details and if your trash is not picked up on schedule. Visit the Residential Refuse Collection page for more information.

What do I do with large or bulky trash items, like a couch or refrigerator?

A. Call the Solid Waste Division at (785) 832-3022 to schedule curbside pickup for large or bulky items, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers,hide-a-beds, ect. Visit our Solid Waste Bulky Item page for more information.

What items are prohibited from your household trash?

A. Call the Solid Waste Division at (785) 832-3022 for all questions regarding prohibited items or visit the Residential Refuse Collection page for more information.

How do I dispose of construction waste?

A. There are different regulations on disposal of construction debris based on amount, frequency and residential/commercial location. Call the Solid Waste Division at (785) 832-3022 for all questions regarding construction waste, such as lumber, rock, sheetrock,ect. Visit the Solid Waste Division page for more information.

What landfill does the city use for trash?

A. The Solid Waste Division takes all trash to the Hamm Sanitary Landfill, located north of Lawrence. For additional questions regarding the landfill or dump, call Hamm directly at (785) 842-2221.