Reducing Landfill Waste
Landfills release harmful gases into the air such as methane and carbon dioxide. They can also leak toxins into local water supplies. Therefore, it is critical to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills including food scraps, plastic bottles, food containers, plastic bags and paper.
Contents
Reducing Your Waste
Plastic Bags
- Avoid using plastic bags at the grocery store by bringing your own reusable bags.
- If you must use plastic bags, recycle them by using collection sites often located at grocery stores as well as other locations. (Do not put plastics bags in regular recycling bins because the bags can get tangled in the recycling machinery. Only use specified collection bins.)
Residential Recycling Bins
- If you live in an apartment or condo complex, urge the property manager/Homeowner’s Association to install recycling bins if they are not yet in place. It is up to the property manager to set up contracts with a recycler. Republic Services offers recycling bins and services for this purpose.
Clothing
- Buy and donate clothing to organizations or local thrift stores.
Plastic Bottles
- Use a reusable bottle for water and other drinks instead of buying one-time plastic bottles
Additional Resources
- The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection’s website has information on various recycling programs throughout the state as well as a list of important recycling resources.
- A handy guide for residents, businesses, schools and other places on how waste can be reduced.
