Recycling Centers in Kearney, NE
Find drop-off recycling locations in Kearney, Nebraska. View hours, addresses, and phone numbers for each facility.
If you live in Kearney 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 Kearney: A Local Guide
Kearney, Nebraska has four distinct options for residents looking to recycle or donate. The City of Kearney Recycling Center at 3007 E. 39th St. is the primary municipal facility, accepting cardboard, paper, plastics #1/#2/#4/#5, glass, tin, aluminum, used motor oil, and lead-acid batteries free of charge Monday through Friday from 7 am to 4 pm.
For households that generate scrap metal, Alter Metal Recycling at 4211 E 43rd St Pl buys ferrous and non-ferrous metals — aluminum, copper, brass, appliances, and auto bodies — paying by weight at current market rates. The yard is open Monday–Friday 8 am–4:30 pm and Saturday 8 am–11:30 am.
A second city-operated drop-off point, the Kearney Area Recycling Center at 3620 Box Butte Ave, accepts the same materials as the main facility and shares its grounds with the city's Household Hazardous Waste building. For those who prefer to give rather than recycle, the Kearney Jubilee Center Thrift Store & Food Pantry at 1920 Central Ave accepts clothing, furniture, and household goods, with a 24/7 outdoor donation bin in the alley south of the building.
Nearby cities with additional recycling options include Grand Island, Hastings, Lexington, and Holdrege. For a full list of recycling programs statewide, see the Nebraska recycling directory.
All Recycling Centers in Kearney
Recycling Centers in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Recycling in Kearney
Where can I recycle cardboard and plastics for free in Kearney, NE?
The City of Kearney Recycling Center at 3007 E. 39th St. accepts cardboard, mixed paper, plastics #1/#2/#4/#5, glass, tin, and aluminum at no charge, Monday–Friday 7 am–4 pm. Satellite 24/7 drop-off bins are available at 2900 West 24th St, 4915 2nd Ave, and 3620 Box Butte Ave.
Does Kearney have a scrap metal yard that pays cash?
Yes. Alter Metal Recycling at 4211 E 43rd St Pl buys aluminum, copper, brass, steel, appliances, and auto bodies. Drive up to the scale house; staff weigh and pay on the spot at current market prices.
Where can I donate clothes and furniture in Kearney?
The Kearney Jubilee Center Thrift Store at 1920 Central Ave accepts clothing, furniture, household goods, and non-perishable food Monday–Friday 9 am–5 pm and Saturday 10 am–4 pm. An outdoor donation bin in the south alley is accessible around the clock.
Does Kearney offer household hazardous waste drop-off?
Yes. The City of Kearney operates a Household Hazardous Waste building on the southeast corner of the 3620 Box Butte Ave recycling site. Call (308) 233-3206 for current drop-off hours and accepted materials.