Reno Waste Management

Single-stream recycling (SSR) streamlines and simplifies the process of collecting and sorting recyclable materials. We are seeing an average of 75 percent participation rate. In a single-stream recycling system, residents and commercial customers place recyclables in a recycling cart and waste in waste cart for pickup, and no longer need to separate these materials in their homes or workplaces. This program modernizes curbside collection in Reno and helps the community far exceed the 35 percent recycling mandate set forth by Washoe County.

Below is a list of acceptable recyclables with single-stream recycling:

• Glass bottles
• Glass jars
• Aluminum cans
• Steel cans
• Plastic bottles
• Plastic jugs
• Paperboard
• Cardboard
• Junk Mail
• Newspaper
• Magazines
• Paper

All waste and recyclables must be placed within the carts. If excess waste is generated, customers can place a 32-gallon bag at the curb with one of the 20 yellow stickers received annually for excess waste collection. Additional stickers can be purchased by calling customer service: 775-329-8822.

The program allows customers to select their waste and recycling cart sizes.

Compressed Natural Gas Trucks

Another benefit to the program is the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) collection trucks. By using these trucks, greenhouse gas emissions are lowered by 20 percent compared to standard diesel engines, and they are much quieter.

Access to the Transfer Stations

City of Reno residential Waste Management customers that are current with their bill may dispose of one standard pick-up truck with municipal solid waste four times a year at no cost. Customers may use this service any time during normal business hours.

Solar Compactors

Providing environmentally responsible options in public spaces can be a valuable tool for communities as they raise awareness of the importance of proper waste disposal. As part of our greening efforts, Waste Management provided the City of Reno 25 solar compactors which have been placed throughout downtown. The Solar Powered Trash Compactors are completely self-powered, using built-in solar panels to compact trash. About the same size as a standard 35-gallon trash barrel, each compactor provides five times the capacity of a traditional trash receptacle. When the unit reaches capacity, sensors trigger an internal compactor that flattens the contents, converting 180 gallons of waste into easy-to-collect bags. A wireless system then signals that the unit is ready to be picked up. This cuts the need for trash pickup by up to 80 percent, which reduces collection costs, fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions. The compactors also include receptacles for collecting plastic bottles, newspapers, glass and other recyclables. Providing environmentally responsible options in public spaces can be a valuable tool for communities as they raise awareness of the importance of proper waste disposal.

Ecocenter

Waste Management is in the process of building an Ecocenter at the current Commercial Row Transfer Station location. In addition, a Community Center is will be built onsite to educate visitors about the importance of recycling and conservation. The Ecocenter will also include a community drop-off location for green waste, electronic waste and recycling, and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW).