Elko County, NV Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)

Section 10-12-4 sets the pickup rules for unincorporated Elko County in subsections (B) through (E). Dead animals greater than ten pounds and bulky waste shall not be set out for collection. Section 10-12-1 defines bulky waste as large, heavy or difficult items such as stoves, refrigerators, water tanks, water heaters, washing machines, furniture, large concrete and asphalt chunks and tree stumps. Bulky waste is collected only during annual cleanups or by contractual arrangement between the resident or business and the permittee. Dead animals of ten pounds or less can ride with normal garbage only if the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, solid waste division, allows and authorizes that collection.

After the truck passes, the permittee or franchisee and its employees set the cans in a properly upright position and pick up any spillage caused during collection. They are not responsible for spillage caused by dogs, animals, vandals, the wind or other natural causes. No person or permittee can place in service a container found to be in a deteriorated condition. Yard debris has its own preparation standard: tree trimmings and brush are cut into four foot lengths and tied into bundles not larger than twenty four inches in diameter for ease of pickup.

Who picks up depends on the permit system. Section 10-12-5 bars anyone from collecting, transferring or removing putrescible solid waste in the unincorporated area without a valid county permit or franchise, and a permittee cannot collect outside the area its permit covers. Residents can self-haul, and construction, remodeling and demolition contractors can haul their own debris with their own employees and equipment. For recycling, Section 10-12-9 says the Elko Regional Landfill accepts household hazardous waste such as waste tires, car batteries, used oil and paints, and that used oil and batteries can also go to participating automotive retail stores and service centers.