Permitting Authorities & Requirements
Statutory & Regulatory Authorities: Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) NRS 444.440 to NRS 444.620 provides the legislative authority to develop and implement a regulatory program for the management of solid waste in Nevada. The State Environmental Commission has the authority to adopt regulations under these statutes. Nevada Administrative Code 444.570 through 444.7499 defines regulatory standards for solid waste management. In Nevada, solid waste regulations are enforced and implemented by the respective solid waste management authority listed below. There are three Solid Waste Management Authorities in Nevada that administer solid waste management regulations including permitting and enforcement. The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) administers all permitting activities outside of Clark and Washoe Counties; NDEP also has the responsibility to review the Washoe and Clark County solid waste programs.
| Permitting Authority | Jurisdiction | For More Information |
| Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) | All counties except Clark and Washoe | Website: NDEP-BSMM Solid Waste Program Phone: (775) 687-9462 |
| Southern Nevada Health District | Clark County | Website: Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) Phone: (702) 759-0600 |
| Northern Nevada Public Health | Washoe County | Website: Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) Phone: (775) 328-2434 |
Procedures for Obtaining Permits
Prospective permittees must submit a complete application with all required supporting documents to the applicable solid waste management authority. See Application Forms & Guidance and Reports & Reporting for NDEP-BSMM required materials. The permitting process proceeds as follows:
- Application is submitted to the NDEP-BSMM
- A completeness review is conducted within 45 days of submittal.
- Once deemed complete, a technical review evaluates the application for consistency with applicable regulations.
- Upon completion of the technical review, a notice of intent to issue or deny the permit is posted in a local newspaper, on the NDEP website, and distributed electronically. The public comment period is 30 days and all comments received shall be addressed and factored..
- If the NDEP-BSMM determines a public hearing is necessary, notice of the hearing will be published at least 30 days prior. The public hearing is an opportunity for the public to comment and address regulatory questions with NDEP staff. A public hearing extends the public comment period.
- Within 30 days of the close of the public comment period, NDEP will issue a decision — approving the permit with or without conditions, or requiring the applicant to address outstanding comments.
- Any person wishing to appeal a decision may do so in writing to the State Environmental Commission (SEC).
Solid Waste Management Facilities Requiring a Permit
| Type of SWMF | Regulatory NAC |
| Municipal Solid Waste Landfill | NAC 444.591 |
| Industrial Waste Landfill | NAC 444.585 |
| Compost Facility | NAC 444.670 |
| Waste Tire Management Facility | NAC 444A.210 |
| Thermal Treatment Facility | NAC 444.672 |
| Class III Landfill Waiver | NAC 444.731 |
| Material Recovery Facilities | NAC 444.7474 |
| Process Facility | NAC 444.676 |
| Transfer Stations | NAC 444.666 |
* "SWMF" means solid waste management facility
* "NAC" means Nevada Administrative Code
Solid Waste Management Facilities Requiring an Approval
| Type of SWMF | Regulatory NAC |
| Public Waste Storage Bin | NAC 444.66647 |
| Salvage Yard Facility | NAC 444.674 |
* "SWMF" means solid waste management facility
* "NAC" means Nevada Administrative Code