Some Nevadans, like those in rural Douglas County, lack access to a community recycling program because throwing away trash is cheaper than recycling it. The most recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data collected in 2019 reports that Nevada had a 21.7% recycling rate. Nevada ranks more than 10% below the national average of 32.1%. While states like California offer aluminum redemption programs for a minimum of $1.57 a pound, Nevada does not have such incentives. However, in 1991, Nevada passed legislation incorporating a 25% recycling goal.
Rural Recycling
As population and development increase, so does waste production. Poor waste disposal can adversely affect public health and environmental factors. Efficient waste management is crucial to safeguarding both public health and the environment. Recycling benefits the environment by reducing emissions of greenhouse gasses, such as; carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons. Reducing air and water pollution and saving energy contribute to global climate change.
Low population density, higher collection rates, distant markets, and lower per capita tax revenue make recycling programs out of reach for rural communities in Northern Nevada. Rural economies do not meet the scale central to urban recycling programs’ processing and marketing success. Improved accessibility to recycling services could improve these causes. Luckily, most rural household waste is organic, with little inorganic material, and is non-toxic. Many rural residents consider composting a highly suitable alternative method of waste management.
What Can I Recycle?
Recyclable materials include glass bottles & jars, plastic bottles, jugs, aluminum, and tin/steel cans. Any jug-style plastics with a handle or neck (like milk jugs) are generally recyclable. Flexible plastics should never be recycled curbside, as they tend to get tangled in the machinery.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Recycling conserves energy, reduces air and water pollution, reduces greenhouse gasses, and conserves natural resources. To locate recycling options near you, search for curbside information and recycling locations by zip code and material type via Earth911. You can also search for recycling information by location using Keep America Beautiful’s search engine.
Grappling with Recycles
Grappler products are for adequate debris and litter pick up of even the tinest items! The Grappler grabs recyclable items, ranging from RGJ newspapers to full 24oz bottles of liquid, and the Grappler quickly gets it all. A volunteer for the Highway 395 clean-up program or anything in between, this tool is for you! Picking up rubbish from around the yard is sometimes uncomfortable or even unsafe. Using a Grappler to pick up recyclable items from under a fence or grab debris from above will spare you unnecessary bending and stretching.
Get in touch with Grapplers Inc. to simplify rural recycling in Northern Nevada!
