Dive Brief:
- Even though it will likely cost more to do so, Nevada is trying to increase its recycling rate. The state's diversion rate was 23.4% in 2014.
- Unlike many states, Nevada has no shortage of cheap landfill space. The Apex Regional Landfill isn't projected to reach capacity until 2482.
- Various government agencies — including the EPA's regional office — have begun working to increase education about recycling and food waste diversion at large generators throughout the state.
Dive Insight:
Even though the state has been hosting industry conferences such as WasteExpo for years, its recycling rates are still far below the national average of 34%. Clark County - which includes Las Vegas - actually saw its diversion rate drop between 2014 and 2015. The challenge has always been finding ways to justify more expensive options.
Many casinos in Las Vegas have already taken a proactive approach to recycling as more tourists ask for it and food waste reduction has become a federal priority. MGM Resorts International signed up for the EPA's Food Recovery Challenge and has pledged to reduce food waste by 5%. Caesars Entertainment and the Las Vegas Sands Corp. have also set long-term waste diversion goals.
Republic Services has offered consultation services to businesses in the past and opened a major recycling center last year which doubled the region's capacity. The 110,000 square foot facility can process 70 tons of material per hour. Combined with an existing adjacent facility, the company says this is now the largest recycling operation in North America.
