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By Kimberly Carroll Steward
As of the end of February, the Legislature has now completed bill introductions for the 2026 session, with more than 500 bills and proposed constitutional amendments introduced. Committee hearings are wrapping up, and full-day floor debate is increasing as priority bills begin to advance. Senators are now designating priority bills, which will shape much of the debate for the remainder of the session.
We continue to closely track legislation that directly impacts recycling, waste reduction, environmental funding, and natural resource management.
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Bills NRC is watching:
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LB759 - Change provisions relating to water wells, the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment, the Perkins County Canal Project Act, and the Nebraska Litter Reduction and Recycling Fund
- Currently on General File, this bill was designated a Natural Resources Committee Priority Bill.
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LR298CA - Constitutional amendment to create requirements for the use of the Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund
- This bill had a Natural Resource Committee hearing on February 19th and was named a priority resolution by Senator Brandt. The bill is still in committee and Senator Juarez has added her name.
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LB1072 - Provide for and change transfers from the Cash Reserve Fund and provide, change, and eliminate provisions relating to fees, funds, fund transfers, agency powers and duties, and various statutory programs
- Multiple hearings have been held related to this bill, including agency specific. Currently in committee consideration and has not yet emerged to General File.
- Currently the proposed over $40 million pull from the Nebraska Environmental Trust has been reduced to $11.1 million. The committee aims to finalize its proposed adjustments for floor debate soon.
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LB1248 - Change appropriations to the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment
- Currently, this bill remains in committee with no public record of advancement to General File or Select File. A hearing was held on February 17.
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Carryover Bills:
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LB607 - Adopt the Environmental Stewardship of Batteries Act, the Extended Producer Responsibility Data Collection Act, and the Minimum Recycled Content Act, and change provisions relating to the Integrated Solid Waste Management Act, the Environmental Protection Act, and the Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Fund
- Carryover bill from 2025 and still active in the 2026 session. It has not yet been advanced out of committee, so it remains pending referral or further action. An amendment was introduced that removes the “Environmental Stewardship of Batteries Act” language after the success of LB36 last year.
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LB121 - Prohibit land disposal of solar panels and wind turbine blades and the component parts of solar panels and wind turbine blades
- As of now, this carryover bill remains pending in committee with no public record of advancement to General File or Select File.
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LR22CA - Constitutional amendment to provide the right to a clean and healthy natural environment and that the state and political subdivisions serve as trustee of the natural resources of Nebraska
- This constitutional amendment remains under committee consideration and has not yet advanced out of committee.
The entire list of 2026 introduced bills is available online.
| | Join Nebraska’s Voluntary Battery Collection Network | | |
By Kimberly Carroll Steward
The Nebraska Recycling Council is looking to build a network of official collection partners in our Voluntary Battery Collection Network, a statewide initiative designed to expand safe, accessible battery recycling opportunities across Nebraska.
As Nebraska prepares for implementation of the LB36 battery stewardship program in 2028, this network will serve as a proactive step to strengthen collection infrastructure, increase public awareness, and ensure communities are ready for a smooth program launch.
Most importantly, battery fires are already occurring in waste and recycling facilities across the state due to improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries. These fires pose serious safety risks to workers, damage equipment, and disrupt essential services. By expanding safe and accessible battery collection now, we are working to prevent as many battery-related fires as possible ahead of the 2028 program rollout.
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By joining this network, your organization will:
- Provide a safe and convenient drop-off location for your residents
- Help prevent battery-related fires in waste and recycling systems
- Demonstrate environmental leadership in your community
- Gain early experience and visibility ahead of the 2028 statewide program
- Be recognized by NRC and The Battery Network as a participating collection site
Sites will be provided guidance on best practices for storage, safety protocols, public communication materials, and coordination support. This voluntary network is designed to reduce barriers for participating sites while building a strong foundation for the future stewardship program.
We are currently seeking public locations, municipal facilities, schools, libraries, solid waste facilities, and community partners interested in serving as collection points.
| | If your organization would like to participate or learn more, please complete the form above to express your interest. Submission of information does not guarantee site selection. Submission will be accepted on a rolling basis and will end when funding is exhausted. Together, we can build a safer, more resilient battery recycling system for Nebraska. | | Last Call for Recycling Equipment Grant Applications | | |
By Grace Barton
Due to high demand and limited remaining funds, March is likely the final month applications will be accepted for this funding cycle. Based on current projections, available funds are expected to be fully depleted after March.
If we receive more applications than the remaining funds can support, all submitted application will be scored and ranked according to our established criteria, and funding will be dispersed to the highest-scoring applicants.
We encourage eligible organizations to submit their applications by March 15, 2026 to ensure they are considered.
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Looking ahead, our team is exploring ways to continue offering equipment grants, but any continuation will depend on grant funds from state organizations. We will keep you informed as more information becomes available.
Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening recycling infrastructure across Nebraska.
| | Apply for Standardized Recycling Labels Today | | |
By Carina Olivetti
The Nebraska Recycling Council is offering Recycle Across America standardized recycling labels to Nebraska communities at no cost through this simple application process.
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These easy-to-understand labels, modeled on proven national best practices, will help residents quickly know what can and can’t be recycled, reducing confusion and contamination. Your community can customize the labels that fit your local recycling program.
The NRC will accept label application forms until April 30, 2026. After the due date, we will order the requested quantities first come, first serve. If funds are remaining, we will have a fall application for labels until all funds are dispersed.
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Shown above are examples of the customizable labels.
Thank you, Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment, for the funding to provide this program!
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Leaping into a Sustainable Spring | | |
By Jadyn Chasek
The spring season is upon us, and there is no better time to reset and plant sustainable efforts that can grow into our day-to-day lives. Whether you find yourself spending most of your time indoors, outdoors, or at work, the opportunities for a spring refresh are available to all.
New Season, Smarter Waste Solutions
Reach out to our team for a waste review or audit for your workspace! Let us help you take the next step toward your sustainability goals by getting to the bottom of your waste and providing feedback to move forward with momentum. These services are available to both members and non-members, with discounted rates offered to members.
Grow Fresh this Spring
Springtime also means the growing season is approaching, and signals it’s time to start planning your backyard garden. Growing your own produce at home helps ensure organic, chemical-free food, cuts grocery costs, and lowers the environmental footprint compared to buying at a grocery store. Seeing your self-grown food to the end of its life and repurposing your scraps into compost takes adopting this sustainable practice leaps and bounds further.
Spring Clean & Refresh
Spring cleaning is another great opportunity to reuse, reduce, and recycle. Give a second life to items in your closet or lying around in the infamous “junk drawer”. A quick search for DIY projects on Google or YouTube is sure to inspire you for a weekend project, reusing items beyond their initial purpose, and reducing waste. Other items that no longer serve your needs can be donated or recycled. Head to our online recycling guide to find the appropriate resources for items not eligible for reuse.
| | Resources, Webinars and Articles of Interest | | |
Have a compost or recycling position you would like us to share?
Send it to info@nrcne.org
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| | | Recycling Equipment for Sale | | |
Recycling Trailer
The City of Pierce is selling a recycling trailer manufactured in 2007 that was only used for three years and is no longer needed. The asking price is the best offer. Interested parties can contact Chad Anderson, City Administrator, at (402) 329-4164 or cityadm@ptcnet.net with their offer.
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Rim Crusher and Tire Cutter
This tire crusher has seen very little use, with only 37 hours of run time on the meter, and can handle up to a 16-inch truck rim. The asking price is $24,000.
For more information or to express interest, please contact Thomas Van Horn at van64465@yahoo.com.
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IPS Steel One Model V-606-HD baler
(Serial No. 11926), manufactured in 2006.
Offered by the City of Oshkosh — asking $5,000.
Contact James Bondegard at (308) 772-3686 or ocityhall.james@gmail.com.
| | Thank You to These Sponsors | | |
Interested in joining
the NRC network?
| | Find out where to recycle everything! | | Apply for a recycling equipment grant! | | Nebraska Recycling Council | 402-436-2384 | NRC Website | | Copyright © 2025. All Rights Reserved. | | | | |
