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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Mandatory service
WCC 90.037
Franchise authority
NRS 244.187 (WCC 90.010)
Exclusive hauler
Waste Management
Billing
Residential, quarterly in advance
Exemption authority
District health officer

Summary

Every property owner in the franchised area of unincorporated Washoe County must subscribe to garbage collection with the county's exclusive franchised hauler (Waste Management), unless the Washoe County Health District grants an exemption (WCC 90.037).

City-specific rules exist: Reno has its own pickup rules & schedules rules that differ from Washoe County's county-level regulations. If you live in Reno, check the city-specific page instead.

Every owner of real property who accumulates or causes the accumulation of garbage as defined in this chapter upon any premises in the area described in section 90.035 must subscribe to the collection, hauling and disposal of garbage pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, unless such person qualifies for an exemption.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under WCC 90.010 the franchise for garbage collection and disposal is created pursuant to NRS 244.187. WCC 90.037 requires every owner of real property accumulating garbage in the franchise area to subscribe to collection unless exempt; single-family dwellings, sleeping accommodations, kitchen-equipped units, and food-serving businesses are presumed to accumulate garbage. The county's authorized franchise holder (Waste Management) has the exclusive right to gather, collect and haul garbage (WCC 90.035). Residential service is billed quarterly in advance (WCC 90.090). Owners may seek a self-haul or hardship exemption permit from the district health officer (WCC 90.037(3)).

Violations & Fines

It is unlawful under WCC 90.100 to allow garbage, rubbish, or waste matter to collect and remain on premises; the district health officer may compel adequate service to prevent a health hazard or nuisance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for garbage service if I haul my own?
Only with a self-haul exemption permit from the district health officer (WCC 90.037(3)). You are still billed quarterly but need not pay if you show weekly approved-disposal receipts (WCC 90.090).
Can I use a different hauler?
No. Under WCC 90.035 the franchised holder (Waste Management) has the exclusive right to collect garbage in the unincorporated franchise area.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Washoe County

Bulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome Restrictions

All Washoe County rules

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Pickup Rules & Schedules in Cities Across Washoe County

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