Regional Compliance Hub: Chemicals, Paint & Batteries (Appt Required) — Lawrence / Douglas County, KS

This regional hub is designed to keep communities compliant by directing residents to the correct, approved drop-off facility for items that are strictly not allowed in standard landfill-bound trash streams or City blue carts—especially paint, pesticides, motor oil, batteries, and fluorescent bulbs. Lawrence provides single-stream recycling (including glass) to residential customers (including multi-family) via the City-provided blue recycling cart, so the primary “Compliance Hub” is for toxic and hazardous materials that must be handled separately. [1][2][3]

Lawrence/Douglas County Household Hazardous Waste Facility (Appointment-Only)

The “HazMat” Solution: The City’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility accepts hazardous materials from Douglas County households throughout the year on a by-appointment-only basis. It is the designated place for items banned from blue carts and dumpsters—such as paint, pesticides, automotive products, batteries (all types), and mercury-containing bulbs. [4][5]

Crucial Rule: You must schedule an appointment online or call (785) 832-3036 before you go. Do not drive up without an appointment. [4][6]

  • Facility: Lawrence/Douglas County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility[4]
  • Address: 2201 Kresge Rd, Lawrence, KS[5]
  • Hours: Appointment-only on posted weekday windows (and select Saturdays when scheduled) — check the City HHW page for current dates/times[4][5]
  • Appointment: Schedule online (HHW page) or call (785) 832-3036[4][6]
  • Accepted (Examples): Household cleaners, automotive products, flammable paints/stains, pesticides/herbicides, batteries (all types), mercury bulbs, pool chemicals, aerosols[5]

Product Reuse: “Product Reuse Store” (Appointment-Only Free Reuse)

Reuse benefit: The HHW Facility also houses a Product Reuse Store where Douglas County residents can pick up recycled products that are in good, usable condition (by appointment). Inventory varies; follow posted rules and scheduling instructions. [4]

Crucial Rights: The “Blue Bin” Win (Glass Allowed in Lawrence Blue Carts)

Good news: Lawrence’s single-stream program accepts food and beverage glass containers (glass bottles & jars) in the standard City-provided blue recycling cart. [2]

Your right (City service): The City’s Solid Waste Division provides single-stream recycling service for single-family and multi-family customers, using a 95-gallon blue recycling cart collected every other week. If your apartment community is on City service and you do not have access to a blue cart, ask property management (service is commonly tied to the property’s City solid waste account). [1]

Overflow Glass Backup: Ripple Glass Purple Bins (Drop-Off)

Overflow option: The City directs residents to additional recycling providers in the Lawrence area, and notes that Ripple Glass offers service in Lawrence. If your blue cart is full, use a nearby purple Ripple Glass bin for glass drop-off and confirm the closest location on Ripple’s “Find a Purple Bin” tool. [3][7]

Electronics (Event Rule): HHW Facility Does NOT Accept Computers or TVs

The Gap: The City’s HHW page lists computers, TVs, and other electronics as NOT accepted at the HHW facility. [4]

The Solution: Use the City’s scheduled Electronics Recycling Event (posted annually/periodically) or a qualified private recycler. The City published details for the 2025 Electronics Recycling Event (including location and hours) on its official site. [8]

  • City Event Example: Electronics Recycling Event (City of Lawrence) — posted event details and accepted/not-accepted lists are published on the City’s Electronics Recycling page[9]
  • Daily Option (Retail): Best Buy offers electronics recycling at its stores (some items may have fees; rules vary by category/state)[10]
  • Local Drop-Off (Private): Sunflower E-Waste lists a Lawrence drop-off location at 1113 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044[11]

Bulk Trash: Schedule a Special Item Pick-Up (City Service)

The Rule: For City solid waste customers, Lawrence provides a Special Item Pick-Up request process for bulky items and other special materials. Residents can submit the request using the City’s online form under the trash collection page. [12]

Note: Fees may apply for certain items (for example, tires or appliances with special handling requirements). Always review the City’s current rules before placing items out. [12][13]

EEAT Sources: [1] City of Lawrence: Recycling Program (single-family + multi-family; blue cart provided; every-other-week pickup)  |  [2] City of Lawrence (PDF): “15 Things” Recycling Guide (glass food/beverage containers accepted in blue cart)  |  [3] City of Lawrence: Recycling Program (notes additional providers; references Ripple Glass service route)  |  [4] City of Lawrence: Household Hazardous Waste (appointment-only; Product Reuse Store; not-accepted list includes computers/TVs/electronics)  |  [5] City of Lawrence (PDF): HHW Rack Card (2201 Kresge Rd; accepted materials incl. batteries/mercury bulbs)  |  [6] City of Eudora (Douglas County reference): HHW scheduling phone (785-832-3036) and appointment requirement  |  [7] Ripple Glass: “Find a Purple Bin” (glass drop-off locator)  |  [8] City of Lawrence: 2025 Electronics Recycling Event announcement (official event details)  |  [9] City of Lawrence: Electronics Recycling (event guidance; accepted/not-accepted categories)  |  [10] Best Buy: Electronics & Appliances Recycling Program (store drop-off; fees may apply)  |  [11] Sunflower E-Waste: Local Drop-Offs (lists 1113 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS)  |  [12] City of Lawrence: Trash Collection (Special Item Pick-Up form for bulky items and other categories)  |  [13] City of Lawrence (PDF): Solid Waste Services Guide (pickup request form for bulky items; tires limits; special handling)

 
National Doorstep - The Valet Trash Service Experts

Lawrence and Douglas County property owners and community managers: simplify recycling compliance while boosting resident satisfaction. National Doorstep’s valet trash & recycling service aligns with the City of Lawrence residential recycling ordinance and Douglas County solid-waste standards to reduce contamination and protect NOI — all with a turnkey program.

In Lawrence, recycling service is provided by the City as part of the universal residential solid waste program for single-family and multi-family dwellings, under the Code of the City of Lawrence, Chapter 9, Article 4A (Residential Recycling Services). In unincorporated Douglas County, the solid waste code sets general storage and disposal standards but does not create a separate, countywide apartment recycling mandate; communities instead rely on private haulers and state solid-waste rules for on-site recycling programs.

  • NOI & Property Value Lift: Amenity-driven valet trash & recycling that can support rent premiums, renewals, and cleaner inspection reports.
  • Resident Convenience & Cleanliness: Doorstep service reduces overflow at enclosures and keeps hallways, stairwells, and parking areas clear.
  • Compliance Simplified: Aligns with Lawrence Chapter 9 (Residential Recycling & Solid Waste) and Douglas County solid-waste management code without adding headcount.
  • Code-Backed Design: Inspector-friendly container layouts, labels, and resident education that support clean inspections and fewer complaints.

At a Glance: City of Lawrence vs Unincorporated Douglas County

City of Lawrence

  • Mandate Type: Mandatory offer of recycling service — the City provides single-stream recycling collection for all eligible residential customers, including multi-family communities, under Chapter 9, Article 4A.
  • Applicability Threshold: Applies to all single-family and multi-family dwellings served by the City; there is no separate “5+ units” multifamily threshold in the recycling article.
  • Duties (Owners & Managers): Maintain active City solid waste and recycling service; use City-approved carts or dumpsters; provide access for collection vehicles; keep enclosures free of accumulated waste; and minimize contamination that can trigger additional fees and fines.
  • Resident Participation: The City must offer recycling service, but residents are not forced to recycle. The ordinance allows residents to decline to recycle; however, placing trash or prohibited items into recycling containers can still be an unlawful act.
  • Key City Links: City of Lawrence Code – Chapter 9 (PDF) · Lawrence Residential Recycling Program · Lawrence Solid Waste Division

Douglas County (Unincorporated)

  • Mandate Type: No dedicated apartment recycling mandate. The County’s Chapter 10 – Solid Waste Management sets broad rules for storage, collection, and disposal; recycling is typically provided by private haulers or through drop-off programs.
  • Applicability Threshold: Solid waste rules apply to all homes, businesses, and multifamily communities within County jurisdiction; there is currently no county ordinance requiring on-site recycling at multi-family properties.
  • Program Duties: Ensure solid waste is stored in approved containers, prevent litter and illegal dumping, and comply with hauling and disposal rules. Communities that choose to provide on-site recycling must follow hauler specifications and state solid-waste regulations.
  • Program Notes: County standards work alongside Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) solid-waste regulations, which can impose civil penalties for serious violations such as illegal dumping or improper disposal.
  • Key County & State Links: Douglas County Solid Waste Division · Douglas County Code – Chapter 10 (Solid Waste) · KDHE – Solid Waste Program

Fines & Penalties Snapshot

  • Lawrence – Recycling Contamination & Unlawful Acts: Under Chapter 9, Article 4A, the City may charge extra fees when recycling carts or containers contain unacceptable materials. In addition, designated “unlawful acts” (such as intentionally contaminating recycling or damaging City containers) carry a minimum fine of $25.00 per unlawful act upon conviction, with higher fines possible for repeated violations.
  • Lawrence – Solid Waste & Nuisance Enforcement: Improper storage of waste, overflowing dumpsters, and accumulation of trash can trigger code enforcement action, administrative citations, and clean-up fees. Chronic violations can escalate to municipal court and potential liens.
  • Douglas County – Solid Waste Violations: While the County does not mandate on-site apartment recycling, its solid-waste code prohibits illegal dumping, improper storage, and nuisance conditions. Violations can lead to citations, cleanup orders, and fines under County enforcement procedures.
  • State-Level (KDHE) – Serious Violations: For significant solid-waste management violations (e.g., unauthorized disposal or open dumping), the Kansas Department of Health and Environment can pursue enforcement, including civil penalties that may reach thousands of dollars per day, depending on severity and duration.
  • Tip: Keep organized records of service agreements, contamination notices, resident education efforts, and photos of enclosures and collection points to demonstrate good-faith compliance if a fee or citation is ever challenged.

Property Manager Compliance Checklist (Lawrence & Douglas County)

Task Action / Requirement Authoritative Links
☑ Confirm Jurisdiction & Service Type Verify whether your community is inside Lawrence city limits (served by the City’s solid waste and recycling program) or in unincorporated Douglas County (served by private haulers under County and state rules). This determines which ordinances, fees, and expectations apply. Lawrence Solid Waste Division · Douglas County Solid Waste
☑ Subscribe to Required Services In Lawrence, maintain active trash and recycling service for each building or master account in accordance with Chapter 9, including Article 4A. In unincorporated Douglas County, ensure trash service is in place with a licensed hauler, and decide whether to add on-site recycling to complement any County or regional drop-off options for residents. Lawrence Code – Chapter 9 · Lawrence Residential Recycling · Douglas County Code – Chapter 10
☑ Containers, Placement & Contamination Provide adequate container capacity for residents and follow placement and access rules for City or hauler vehicles. In Lawrence, keep recycling carts and dumpsters free of prohibited materials to avoid contamination fees and unlawful-act citations. In Douglas County, make sure solid waste containers are covered, not overflowing, and located to prevent litter and nuisance conditions. Lawrence Solid Waste · Lawrence Code Ch. 9 · Douglas County Solid Waste Division
☑ Resident Education & Signage Provide clear move-in and periodic resident education on how to use doorstep service, which containers are for trash versus recycling, and where to place bags or carts. Use signage at enclosures, digital notices, and community newsletters to reinforce rules and reduce contamination and illegal dumping. Lawrence Recycling – What to Recycle · KDHE Solid Waste Program
☑ Document Fines, Fees & Vendor Agreements Keep copies of hauler contracts, City rate sheets, contamination warnings, inspection photos, and resident communications. This documentation supports appeals of fees, demonstrates good-faith compliance, and helps future buyers or lenders understand your property’s environmental risk profile. Lawrence Solid Waste & Recycling · Douglas County Solid Waste

Need a fast compliance check? Request a Free Compliance Audit for your Lawrence or Douglas County property — we’ll right-size your containers, design resident-friendly doorstep service, and prepare inspection-ready documentation tailored to your community.

Interested in talking about how we can work together? Here's our contact info.

National doorstep pickup

EVERY DOOR. EVERY NIGHT.®️