Recycling Centers in Columbus, NE
Find drop-off recycling locations in Columbus, Nebraska. View hours, addresses, and phone numbers for each facility.
If you live in Columbus and need a convenient place to recycle, this directory helps you find local recycling centers. These centers accept standard materials like paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, and aluminum, as well as specialty items depending on the facility. Browse the listings below to find contact information and hours for each location.
Recycling in Columbus: A Local Guide
Columbus, Nebraska — the seat of Platte County — is served by four recycling facilities that together handle a wide range of materials, from aluminum cans and household plastics to scrap iron and post-industrial plastic resin. Understanding which facility accepts what material will save you a trip: not every Columbus recycler takes walk-in residential loads.
For household recyclables, Keep Columbus Beautiful operates free community drop-off trailers around Columbus accepting aluminum cans, steel cans, milk jugs, and mixed plastics — no charge for residents. The Columbus Transfer Station at 570 14th Ave provides a broader municipal drop-off option for those who need to dispose of larger loads.
Scrap metal sellers in Platte County should head to Alter Metal Recycling at 3440 15th St E, one of Nebraska's largest scrap processors. They buy ferrous and non-ferrous metals from individuals, farmers, and businesses Monday through Friday. The fourth facility, ACI Plastics Nebraska, is a commercial-only industrial plastic reprocessor — it does not accept household plastics but serves manufacturing companies looking to close-loop their plastic scrap.
Columbus neighbors including Norfolk, Fremont, Schuyler, and Grand Island also have recycling facilities worth knowing if you live between cities. For statewide guidance, see the Nebraska recycling directory.
All Recycling Centers in Columbus
Recycling Centers in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Recycling in Columbus
Where can Columbus, NE residents drop off cans and plastics for free?
Keep Columbus Beautiful operates free community recycling trailers at rotating locations around Columbus. Accepted materials include aluminum cans, steel and tin cans, milk jugs (#2 HDPE), and mixed plastics. Visit their listing or call 402-563-9223 for current trailer locations.
Does Alter Metal Recycling in Columbus buy scrap from individuals?
Yes. Alter Metal Recycling at 3440 15th St E purchases scrap from anyone — homeowners, farmers, and businesses alike. They accept aluminum, copper, brass, iron, steel, car batteries, appliances, and farm equipment Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4:30 PM.
Is there a hazardous waste drop-off in Columbus, NE?
Columbus does not currently have a permanent household hazardous waste (HHW) facility. The nearest permanent HHW collection site is in Norfolk. Platte County occasionally runs HHW collection events — check with Keep Columbus Beautiful (402-563-9223) or the Platte County government website for upcoming event dates.
Can I recycle cardboard and paper in Columbus?
The Columbus Transfer Station at 570 14th Ave accepts cardboard and paper from residents and small businesses. Keep Columbus Beautiful drop-off trailers may also accept some fiber materials depending on location — call ahead to confirm what is currently accepted at the nearest trailer.