Waste Reduction & Recycling Division

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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 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 old or unused medications 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 trimmings 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 carts, cans or compostable yard waste paper bags. Yard trimmings set out in plastic bags or bundles will not be picked up. Please place material in proper containers. For more information, click here.

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

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

Small woody debris may be placed with Monday yard trimmings for composting, but cannot be tied or bundled in any way. Please place in a preferred container (cans, carts or compostable paper bags), protruding no more than one foot above the container opening. Woody debris (both large and small) may also be disposed of with your regular trash. To dispose, these items must be bundled securely and placed by your refuse container on your regular household trash collection day.

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.