Reno, NV Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Recycling status
- Optional, not mandatory
- Trash service
- Mandatory unless exempted
- Recyclables hauler
- Exclusive franchised contractor only
- Exemption approval
- Washoe County Health District required
- Governing section
- RMC § 5.90.060
Summary
Reno residential customers are encouraged but not required to recycle; those who do must use the city's exclusive franchised hauler under RMC § 5.90.060, not an independent recycler.
Residential customers are encouraged, but are not obligated, to recycle or to subscribe to menu services; provided, however, no residential customer in an exclusive service area may allow or retain any person or entity other than the designated contractor to collect, pickup, transport or deliver approved recyclable materials or other collection materials that would be a violation of contractor's exclusive right under the residential agreement.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Administrative Code: Supplement 64 | Land Development Code: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under Reno Municipal Code § 5.90.060(a), every residence in the city is presumed to generate solid waste and must subscribe to standard trash collection unless the city grants an exemption. Recycling itself is optional: residential customers are "encouraged, but are not obligated," to recycle. But once a resident sets out approved recyclable materials, only the city's exclusively franchised contractor may collect, pick up, transport, or deliver them; using an independent recycler or unauthorized hauler violates the contractor's exclusive franchise right under §§ 5.90.050(c) and 5.90.110.
Violations & Fines
Letting anyone but the franchised hauler collect or transport your recyclables violates the exclusive franchise under RMC §§ 5.90.050(c) and 5.90.110; the city and its contractor can enforce against the violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Reno residents have to recycle?
Can I use my own recycler instead of the city's contractor?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reno
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