Lincoln residents now have a fresh incentive to recycle aluminum cans thanks to Uribe Refuse Services. The company, which recently acquired a recycling plant near 4th and J streets in the Haymarket district, has re‑launched a cash‑for‑cans program in partnership with RecycleLink.
Program details and community impact
Under the revived program, RecycleLink will pay 50 cents per pound of aluminum cans – roughly 30 cans per pound. The payment structure mirrors the original offering that many Lincoln families missed when the program was paused, and its return has been welcomed by longtime customers.
“We had a lot of customers that were really upset when we stopped, so we’re excited to do it again,” said Michaela Fitzgerald, office administrator for Uribe Refuse Services. “The recycling aspect of it just makes for a greener earth for all of us, and if you’re able to recycle something, then you may as well. It’s better for everybody in the long run.”
Convenient location for downtown residents
While a few other sites in Lincoln already accept aluminum cans for cash, the downtown Haymarket location fills a gap for residents who lack curbside service or who live in neighborhoods with limited recycling options. Plant manager Mike Malmkar emphasized the need for a convenient, cash‑generating drop‑off point.
“There’s not a lot of options for people in this area of town to take their cans in, and they also might not be able to pay for curbside service,” Malmkar explained.
On a recent Tuesday morning, a local woman brought in nearly 100 pounds of cans, walking away with $50 in cash. “That’s a lot of saving up your cans, but she’s got 50 bucks in her pocket now to go burn,” Malmkar said with a smile.
Supporting schools through “Cans for Books”
Uribe Refuse Services has also linked the program to Lincoln Public Schools. Participants may choose a school to receive the cash proceeds, which will be directed to the school’s library fund under the “Cans for Books” initiative.
“You can pick whatever school, and the money will go to their libraries,” Fitzgerald noted. “It’s called Cans for Books, and it helps our children access more reading material.”
Environmental benefits
Aluminum cans are uniquely recyclable; they can be processed an infinite number of times without loss of quality. By encouraging residents to bring cans to the Haymarket center, the program reduces landfill waste and conserves the energy required to produce new aluminum.
In addition to cans, the facility accepts cardboard and plastic, offering a one‑stop hub for a range of recyclable materials.
What this means for Lincoln families
For families seeking to stretch a tight budget, the cash‑for‑cans program provides a modest but meaningful source of extra income. For parents who value teaching children the principles of stewardship and personal responsibility, the program offers a practical lesson in caring for God‑created resources.
Local business leaders and community volunteers have praised the revival as a win‑win for the economy and the environment. By turning waste into cash and supporting school libraries, Uribe Refuse Services demonstrates how private enterprise can serve the public good.
Residents interested in participating can visit the Haymarket recycling center during regular business hours. Detailed information about accepted materials, payment procedures, and school‑donation options is available on the RecycleLink website.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
