Las Vegas NowLas Vegas Ranks Poorly in Recycling Survey

Las Vegas Ranks Poorly in Recycling Survey

When it comes to recycling, Las Vegas ranks among the worst cities in the country. An article in Men's Health magazine says Las Vegas ranks 99^th out of 100 cities. 

Only about 2-percent of Clark County residents recycle, but some residents say there is a lack of information and public awareness.

Heather Crabtree moved to Henderson about five years ago, but she did not start recycling until six months ago. She says she would have started recycling sooner, but she did not know how or where to get the bins.

Crabtree and her neighbor, Olga Garcia, believe if the county was more proactive, more people who would recycle.

"When I contacted my garbage company, I requested the bins but I had to request it. They didn't offer," said Garcia.

Clark County contracts with Republic Services for its recycling needs. Vice President Bob Coyle says when you set up your trash service, a representative should explain their recycling program. But some residents say that's not enough. "It would be nice to have a letter or something saying, ‘Did you know we have a recycle program? That sort of thing," said Crabtree.

"The first thing you have to do is make a program that is convenient. If its not, people won't use it," said Coyle.

Coyle says last year the county approved a new pilot program. In the new program, instead of sorting recyclables in three different bins, residents get one large dumpster that is picked up with their trash.

Coyle says if this new program is approved, the county may ask his company to promote it and educate more residents. He also says the new program already helped increase the number of people who recycle in Clark County by about 25-percent.

To get recycling bins, contact Republic Services at 735-5151.