Help Keep Fort Leavenworth Beautiful and Solid Waste-Free:

While keeping our community clean may seem simple, it becomes a significant challenge during the peak PCS moving season.  As families move in and out, the volume of solid waste generated can overwhelm our disposal systems.  It is a collective responsibility to ensure Fort Leavenworth remains a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for everyone.

A Community Responsibility

As former Deputy to the Garrison Commander, Johnny Bevers, stated, "This installation is a beautiful place, and we need to help keep it that way.  We want to keep the post clean and healthy for the Soldiers and families who live on post, not to mention the distinguished visitors who often visit."  This effort goes beyond appearances—it is also a matter of public safety.  Clean and orderly public spaces foster a sense of security and community pride, which helps discourage disruptive behavior.  Our goal is to be "clean and pristine," and achieving this requires a united effort.

Know the Disposal Policies

To underscore our commitment to environmental stewardship, the Fort Leavenworth Command has recently issued Command Policy Letter #16, which strictly prohibits open dumping on the installation.  This new local directive reinforces AR 200-1, a regulation mandating that all waste management activities comply with federal, state, and local laws.  Illegal dumping, defined as the disposal of waste in any unpermitted area, is a prohibited act that has serious consequences.  It contaminates our water, degrades natural habitats, costs the installation thousands of dollars in cleanup, and undermines the Army’s values.  All personnel and their families are expected to know and adhere to these rules, which are crucial for keeping our community safe, healthy, and beautiful.  All command policy letters can be found at the link below.

Command Policy #16: Open Dumping

Bulk Solid Waste Update (Feb. 2026):

Waste Management has resumed bulk solid waste pickup. Click here for the guidelines, or if needed, you may utilize one of the following alternative disposal options:

  • Fort Leavenworth's Recycling Center at 710 W Warehouse Rd.
  • Leavenworth County Solid Waste Transfer Station: Located at 24967 136th St, Lansing, KS 66043. (Access by turning east off Highway 7, then onto Gilman Road.)
  • City Union Mission: Accepts gently used household items and will pick them up right from your home. We provide a Google Form to schedule pickup on the 2nd Saturday of the month.


Standard February Pickup from City Union Mission:
February 14th: Standard bulk donation pickup Complete the following form to schedule a donation pick-up: https://forms.gle/aQo6SFvQQc2FNsyV6 ⚠


If your items don’t fit in your regular solid waste or recycling bins, please do not place them in or around community or commercially owned dumpsters. Improper disposal creates challenges for waste removal and affects the cleanliness of our neighborhoods. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we evaluate new solutions to support this change.

Disposal Options

 

HOUSEHOLD SOLID WASTE:

On-Post Residents

Residents of Fort Leavenworth are provided with weekly curbside solid waste and recycling pickup, with one container supplied for each service.  As outlined in the Frontier Heritage Communities’ resident handbook, please adhere to the following rules:

  • Placement: Containers should be covered and may be placed curbside no earlier than 8:00 p.m. the evening before your scheduled pickup.
  • Removal: Empty containers must be removed from the curb and stored in their designated area by 8:00 p.m. on the day of pickup.

 

Off-Post Residents

If you live off post, you must follow the solid waste collection rules established by your local municipal government.  For detailed information on collection schedules, rules, and practices, please visit your city's solid waste management website:

Garrison command officials ask that off-post residents do not bring their household waste onto Fort Leavenworth.  This helps reduce the strain on installation waste collection services, especially during the busy PCS season.

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

 

Recyclable Materials

 

Curbside Recycling for On-Post Residents:

Frontier Housing residents can easily contribute to environmental conservation by participating in the mixed recycling curbside pickup on their assigned collection days. Using the provided recycling bin is a great way to reduce landfill waste.  The following items are accepted for curbside pickup:

  • Plastics: Bottles and containers (please re-secure caps)
  • Metal: Food and beverage cans, metal lids, and caps
  • Paper & Cardboard: Standard paper, flattened cardboard, and paperboard
  • Glass: Food and beverage containers

By properly cleaning and sorting your recyclables, you help ensure they can be successfully processed and reused.

 

Recycle Center:

Fort Leavenworth's Recycle Center is located just south of the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks Sales Store (740 Warehouse Rd 66027).  Operating hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. M – F.  In addition, the site will be open the first weekend of every month.  The Recycle Center will be closed on Federal Holidays.  All community members may utilize the drop-off recycling area.  There are multiple containers available in the lot for recycling of:

  • mixed recycling of plastic, cardboard, paper, and aluminum cans. (no styrofoam / plastic packing material, plastic shopping bags)
  • small toner cartridges
  • rechargeable batteries, e.g., lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride, nickel-cadmium, and lead acid flags
  • cell phones
  • electronic wastes, e.g., computers, cell phones, cameras, modems, monitors, televisions (no CRTs), printers, game systems, etc.
  • non-government owned scrap metal, e.g., barbecues, fencing materials, tin cans, swing sets, washers, and dryers (air conditioners and refrigerators are not allowed)
  • glass jars and bottles of all colors (no bags, boxes, etc.)
  • eyeglasses

 

There currently is no local market available for recycling alkaline batteries.  AA, AAA, and 9V, etc. non-rechargeable batteries may be thrown in the solid waste containers, as needed.  You should tape over the snap-style connectors on a 9V battery before throwing in the solid waste containers.

Other Items Requiring Special Handling

 

Bulk Solid Waste

Bulk solid waste items are large, heavy household items that do not fit into standard solid waste bins, e.g., furniture, mattresses, rugs, etc.  The recycling center currently houses a bulk-waste dumpster for use by on-post housing.  The recycle yard does not accept refrigerators, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners. 

Solid waste migration onto Fort Leavenworth by non-residents has become a problem.  Dumping of bulk items onto Fort Leavenworth is illegal.  It costs the Army thousands of dollars in disposal fees, and diverts resources from the main mission.   Bulk waste disposal by non-residents should be conducted at their city or county refuse center.

 

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and Toxic Materials

Many common household products, including cleaners, paint thinners, wood stain, pesticides, etc. contain hazardous materials.  When these items have reached the end of their usable life, they become HHW.  Proper disposal of HHW is essential to safeguard families, pets, and the environment.  Fort Leavenworth residents can drop off unwanted household products at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Point, located at Building 2580 north of the DPW Environmental Division Office (810 McClellan Ave.).  Please make sure to check in at the facility when leaving materials to ensure they are identified and handled correctly.  Ring the doorbell and it will sound in the adjacent building; someone will come out to assist if available.  If you need to drop off items after hours, convenient drop-off cabinets are available outside the building.  Please ensure all items are in their original containers.  In addition to accepting drop-offs, Fort Leavenworth offers a product reuse program at the HHW Collection Point.  Do-it-yourselfers can pick up free items like paints, automotive products, cleaners, and garden chemicals that have been turned in and inspected for safety by staff.  The facility is open with an attendant available from 0700 to 1500, Monday through Friday.  For more information about the program or disposal, call 913-684-3306.

 

Off-post residents and government employees should use the services offered by their local municipal waste departments, such as the Leavenworth County Solid Waste Transfer Center. ⚠

 

Used Motor Oil

Used motor oil and antifreeze are hazardous to the environment and should never be put in the solid waste containers or poured down a drain. Residents should take these materials to the Auto Craft Center at 911 McClellan Ave. or to a designated off-post garage or auto parts store for proper disposal. For additional questions about disposal options, call 913-684-3395.

 

Electronic Water (E-Waste)

As the nation's fastest-growing waste stream, e-waste should be recycled rather than thrown in the solid waste containers. To help reduce the nation's fastest-growing waste stream, Fort Leavenworth provides specific methods for recycling e-waste.  Patrons of Fort Leavenworth can drop off items like computers, monitors, televisions, printers, and other electronics at the e-waste shed, located at the Recycle Center on Warehouse Road.  Government offices and units, however, must contact the Logistic Readiness Center’s Supply Support Activity at 913-684-9993 to arrange for proper turn-in.

 

Flags

To ensure your flag is retired with honor, please follow proper disposal guidelines as specified by the U.S. Flag Code. You can deposit old or worn American flags in the convenient drop-off container located at the post Recycle Center. Flags left in this drop-box will be respectfully and reverently retired by the local Boy Scouts of America troop. Alternatively, you may also take any flag to a local VFW post for proper disposal.

 

Medicines

Do not discard medications in the solid waste containers or pour them down the drain, as doing so can contaminate the water supply and negatively impact the environment.  The Munson Army Health Center Pharmacy ⚠ has a drug takeback box specifically for this purpose located in the lobby of the pharmacy.

 

Weapons

To prevent serious risks to sanitation workers, never dispose of firearms, knives, or ammunition in the garbage.  Safe disposal should always be coordinated with law enforcement.  Fort Leavenworth residents must call the non-emergency number for emergency services at (913) 684-2111 for guidance.  If you live off-post, contact your local police department to learn their procedures for turning in these items.

Donate Usable Items

 

Residents of Fort Leavenworth are encouraged to donate usable items to reduce landfill waste, support charitable programs, and provide resources to those in need.

 

Thrift Shop

Support military family scholarships and community grants by donating your "like new" items to the Fort Leavenworth Thrift Shop ⚠ at 1025 Sheridan Drive. The shop accepts clothing, toys, small appliances, and dish sets, but cannot take large electronics like televisions or desktop computers. Donations can be secured in the on-site shed, but please call 913-651-6768 to schedule an appointment for larger drop-offs.

 

City Union Mission

Every second Saturday, residents in Fort Leavenworth housing can schedule a curbside pickup to donate items to the City Union Mission ⚠ of Kansas City. They accept clothing, furniture, and other household goods, but not appliances, mattresses, cribs, or car seats. All profits help combat poverty and homelessness in the metro area, and tax credit forms are available. To participate, use the sign-up link in your resident newsletter or contact the Frontier Heritage Community Center for more information.

 

Additional Resources

 

The Fort Leavenworth Stray and Lost Pet Facility also has a red donation bin on the front porch for unopened pet food and other pet supplies.

Closing Tab

References and links to non-federal entities do not constitute or imply Department of Defense or Army endorsement of any company or organization.