Editorial: Highway trash is a blight for area

Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2001 | 8:54 a.m.

It is indisputable that motorists see plenty of trash along Interstate 15 as they approach Las Vegas. Garbage has accumulated since early last year when Clark County government ended its highway trash collection program for juvenile offenders because six youths in the program were killed by a driver. The Nevada Department of Transportation has increased its efforts to sweep up the garbage, but the trash continues to pile up.

What is in dispute is just who is responsible for the growing collection of garbage. State officials say that garbage hauler Republic Services is a prime contributor. But Republic Services, which takes trash to the Apex landfill north of Las Vegas and which also operates a garbage transfer station south of Las Vegas near Sloan, says it isn't the culprit, noting that screens cover the garbage on its trucks. Instead, Republic Services says careless motorists who litter, and independent haulers who don't use tarps, are the likely offenders.

Enough already. The fingerpointing has got to stop.

Not only is this an eyesore for local residents, but it also leaves a terrible impression for tourists who arrive here via I-15. The Nevada Highway Patrol, the NDOT, Republic Services and the independent haulers need to meet soon and get this mess straightened out.