Reno's Trash & Recycling: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles trash & recycling a little differently. In Reno, Nevada, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Bulk Item Disposal

Reno residents receive limited bulk item pickup through Waste Management plus free dump days at the Lockwood Regional Landfill. Items include furniture, mattresses, and appliances (Freon units require separate handling). Construction debris is not included and must be self-hauled or use a rented roll-off.

Key details: Pickup: Call WM to schedule. Freon Appliances: Separate service, extra fee. Not Accepted: Construction debris, hazardous waste. Landfill: Lockwood Regional Landfill. Community Days: Annual free drop-off events.

Illegal dumping on public or private property: up to $1,000 fine plus cleanup costs and possible criminal charges. Leaving bulk items at the curb without scheduled pickup: property maintenance citation.

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Waste Management of Nevada holds the exclusive franchise for residential trash and recycling collection in Reno under a long-term franchise agreement. Service is mandatory for residential properties, with weekly trash and every-other-week recycling pickup in most neighborhoods.

Key details: Hauler: Waste Management (exclusive franchise). Trash: Weekly, 95-gallon cart. Recycling: Every other week. Set-Out Time: By 6 AM pickup day. Removal: Within 24 hours after pickup.

Failure to subscribe to mandatory service: code enforcement citation. Carts left at curb beyond 24 hours: warning then fine. Illegal dumping: up to $1,000 fine plus cleanup costs.

Bin Placement Rules

Trash and recycling carts must be placed at the curb with wheels against the curb, handles facing the house, and at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides for the automated collection truck arm. Carts may be set out no earlier than 6 PM the night before and must be removed within 24 hours of pickup.

Key details: Clearance: 3 feet on all sides. Wheels: Against curb, handle toward house. Set-Out: No earlier than 6 PM prior day. Removal: Within 24 hours after pickup. Storage: Out of public view between pickups.

Carts left at curb beyond 24 hours: $50-$200 fine. Blocking sidewalks or hydrants: immediate removal required plus fine. Repeated violations: possible loss of service.

Recycling Requirements

Reno offers single-stream curbside recycling through Waste Management, collected every other week. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, rigid plastics #1 and #2, aluminum cans, steel cans, and glass (glass requires separate bin in some areas). Participation is voluntary but strongly encouraged.

Key details: Type: Single-stream curbside. Frequency: Every other week. Accepted: Paper, cardboard, #1 and #2 plastic, metal cans. Glass: Separate drop-off in many areas. Mandatory: No, voluntary.

Repeated contamination of recycling cart: cart may be tagged, not collected, or converted to trash service at customer request. No fines for non-participation.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Reno gives residents more flexibility on recycling requirements.

The Bottom Line

Reno's trash & recycling rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Reno is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Reno can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.