Nevada's waste generation and management infrastructure reflect the character of the State, its geography, climate and economy. Although the population is approximately 2 million, most of the State is very sparsely populated. The two metropolitan areas of Reno and Las Vegas are served by large municipal solid waste landfills (MSWLFs) which, between them, account for about 90% of the solid waste disposed in the State. High per capita disposal rates reflect the daily influx of thousand of tourists. Regionalization has been limited by the great distances between communities. Most of the 17 counties have at least one landfill, the availability of open desert land helping to keep landfill costs low.

Since 1994, implementation of federal Subtitle D standards has resulted in the closure of many open dumps in the rural areas, leaving 24 operating MSWLFs in the State. There are several large transfer stations in the urban areas, while the remote areas use smaller waste storage bin facilities. Nevada has no waste incinerators. Approximately 85% of our municipal solid waste is landfilled, and the rest is recycled.

Jurisdictions & Permitting —There are three Solid Waste Management Authorities, each of which administers State solid waste management regulations, including permitting and enforcement, in their areas of jurisdiction: the Southern Nevada Health District , the Washoe County Health District and the NDEP. The NDEP has direct jurisdiction over all counties outside of Clark and Washoe and also has limited responsibilities to oversee the Health Districts' solid waste programs. The Solid Waste Branch has a staff of six, two of which are dedicated to waste reduction, reuse and recycling programs. Permits are required for municipal and industrial solid waste disposal sites. MSWLF regulations follow the federal requirements of 40 CFR Part 258. Permits are also required for incinerators and MSW compost plants. Other solid waste management facilities, such as transfer stations and other processing sites, are subject to a simpler "approval process" before they can be established.

Planning — Each county has a solid waste management plan approved by the Solid Waste Branch, as required by law. There is also a general State plan, and a special waste plan for used tire management. The Solid Waste Branch provides technical assistance to local governments as staff resources permit.

Waste Reduction, Re-use and Recycling — The State legislature has established a 25% recycling rate goal. Minimum recycling services are also in the law. Counties having populations greater than 100,000 must have residential curbside collection service, while those between 45,000 and 100,000 must set up recycling drop-off centers. The Solid Waste Branch coordinates recycling efforts throughout the State, provides public education and information and provides technical assistance to local government recycling programs. The NDEP also fosters recycling through a grant assistance program to local government entities and non-profit organizations, as funds are available.

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