Nevada recycling rate reaches historic high, Carson City inches closer to goal
Nevadans are recycling more, according to a report released Wednesday by state environmental officials.
In 2012, the recycling rate was 28.8 percent, surpassing the state's goal of 25 percent, according to the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection. In 2012, Carson City had a recycling rate of 24.9 percent.
In 1991 legislation known as AB320 set a goal that at least 25 percent of municipal solid waste would be recycled in counties that have a population of greater than 45,000.
The recycling rate has fluctuated over the last decade, finally achieving the 25 percent goal in 2011. State recycling rates are calculated using tonnage of recycled material from large municipalities where recycling programs are required, according to a news release.
Recycled commodities are broken down into metals, paper, organics, glass, plastic, special waste, textiles and other.
To keep Nevada’s recycling rate growing into 2013 and beyond, NDEP’s Nevada Recycles Program has launched a Recycling GIS Map. This web map application allows users to search for recyclers in Nevada by location, material or business name.
Northern Nevada Recycling Coordinator Nicole Goehring believes the map will help increase recycling in Nevada.
“So many people want to recycle, but don’t know where to bring particular recyclables," she said in the news release. "Whether it is a Christmas tree or computer, appliance or antifreeze, the map specifies where to take it for recycling.”
The map, along with a list of quick tips on how to navigate it, can be found on NDEP’s website, www.nevadarecycles.gov.
More information is also available by calling Nevada’s Recycling hotline at (800) 597-5868.