Lincoln Awarded Over $1.5 Million in Grants to Fight Litter and Waste

The funding will support recycling programs, hazardous waste management, and community cleanup efforts in the city.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment has awarded over $7 million in grants to support 126 waste and litter reduction projects across the state, with Lincoln receiving over $1.5 million in funding. The grants will help fund a variety of initiatives, including public education programs on recycling and waste reduction, community cleanup efforts, hazardous waste management, and school and nonprofit projects to divert materials from landfills.

Why it matters

Lincoln's grant funding is part of a broader statewide effort to address litter and waste reduction, which are pressing environmental issues for many communities. The grants will support comprehensive programs that aim to educate the public, clean up public spaces, and promote sustainable waste management practices.

The details

The grants are awarded through the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment's Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Grants Program and its Litter Reduction and Recycling Program. The funding supports a range of initiatives, from large-scale recycling education to smaller community projects like bike refurbishment and reuse programs.

  • The grants were announced on February 11, 2026.
  • Grant applications for 2027 will be accepted starting in June 2026.

The players

Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment

The state agency that awarded the grants to support waste and litter reduction projects across Nebraska.

Lincoln-area organizations

The recipients of the $1.7 million in grant funding to support environmental programs and initiatives in the city.

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What’s next

Grant applications for 2027 will be accepted starting in June 2026, and the public is encouraged to check the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment's website for more information.

The takeaway

The significant grant funding awarded to Lincoln demonstrates the city's commitment to addressing environmental issues and promoting sustainable waste management practices. The grants will support a range of initiatives that aim to educate the public, clean up public spaces, and divert materials from landfills, contributing to a more sustainable future for the community.