Facebook
Fark
Digg
Reddit
Stumble
Todd Korgan stands with his new recycling and garbage bins at his home near downtown Las Vegas on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011.
By Conor Shine (contact) 
Published Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013 | 3:07 p.m.
Updated Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013 | 5:28 p.m.
The Clark County Commission has approved a new single-stream recycling ordinance, bringing big changes in waste pickup for valley residents after years of debate on the issue.
The commission approved the ordinance Tuesday afternoon in a 4-2 vote, with Commissioners Chris Giunchigliani and Lawrence Weekly opposed. The vote was taken after nearly four hours of back-and-forth among commissioners, members of the public and representatives from Republic Services, the county’s trash service provider. Commissioner Tom Collins left the meeting before the final vote because of a prior commitment.
The single-stream recycling program will do away with the red, white and blue bins used by households in unincorporated areas of the county, replacing them with one cart on wheels that will hold all recyclables, no sorting required.
Recycling will be picked up weekly instead of biweekly, although residential trash pickup will be reduced from twice a week to once a week. The new program also includes one biweekly pickup of bulky items that don’t fit in trash carts.
The switch to single-stream recycling will not result in a rate increase and any savings from the program will be used by Republic Services to upgrade its fleet of trucks, said Bob Coyle, Republic Services vice president for government affairs.
Henderson and North Las Vegas both approved similar programs in recent years, and Las Vegas has several pilot programs running.
Tuesday’s meeting drew a strong public response, with more than 50 people sharing their opinions with the commission. Many opposed to the change were Republic Services drivers who worried the single-stream recycling program would lead to a reduction in their work hours.
Homeowners expressed varying views. Those in favor of single-stream recycling, many of whom participated in the pilot program, said it made recycling easier, reduced the amount of trash they generated and kept waste from blowing out of the bins and down the streets on pickup days.
Others fiercely opposed losing a day of trash pickup, worrying about the stench of hot garbage during the summer and the loss of service without a corresponding decrease in costs.
Although commissioners approved the ordinance changes, they delayed action on a related item that would have amended the county’s franchise agreement with Republic Services. The amended agreement is needed before the program can begin.
Before considering the amendment, Commissioner Larry Brown asked that several studies be conducted, including a survey of customers already receiving single-stream recycling and the impact the program will have on Republic Services’ revenues and expense. He also requested that county staff explore a provision and any associated costs that would allow the commission to revert back to the current waste pickup agreement should the single-stream operation fail to boost recycling.
Once those studies are complete in the next month or two, the commission will vote on amending the franchise agreement, which runs until 2035.
“I think we have a great program here and I think it’s the right thing to do from a public policy standpoint,” Brown said.
During the meeting, Giunchigliani said she still had several questions about the single-stream recycling program and wanted further study before changing the ordinance or the franchise agreements.
Giunchigliani said numbers reported to the Southern Nevada Health District, which monitors solid waste in the county, don’t support that single-stream recycling program increases recycling rates as much as Republic Services claims.
“Could we not get an answer to that before we actually adopt the change? Because I think the change still begs the (question) of what the reason for the ordinance is. The premise is that it’s resulted in a significant increase (in recycling). Not by their numbers,” Giunchigliani said. “What’s the rush? … How about asking people ‘Do you want to give up your two days a week trash?’ Nobody ever asked that question.”
Before starting the hearing on the ordinance, Commission Chairman Steve Sisolak addressed a complaint filed Monday with the District Attorney’s Office alleging an open-meetings violation by the commission.
The complaint, made by local attorney Todd Bice, is based on three affidavits by individuals who said Sisolak specifically told them that six votes in favor of the single stream ordinance had already been secured in advance of Tuesday’s meeting.
On Tuesday, Sisolak denied any violation had taken place and said his statements were conjecture based on previous statements made by other commissioners to the media and during previous public discussions on the topic.
Giunchigliani is concerned about one thing only: the impact on the union members she values over everyone else. There has been debate on this for 10 years or more, and she says don't rush it?!?
My wife and I greatly prefer the single stream system we have now compared to the bin system where we used to live.
Oh good, since they are providing service only half as often now we should all see a reduction of our bill by 50%. Yeah, sure
This is a reduction in service without a reduction in rates, pure and simple. While the single-stream recycling is nice, the fact is they are providing you with less service for the same price.
How is that fair to the tax/rate payers?
kennekra,
There is actually very little decrease in service if you consider the bulk pick-up that was added.
Also, the quality of service is MUCH higher with this new system, at least for those who recycle. Even with only once a week trash pick-up we still have plenty of room in our trash bin for yard clippings, etc. And now all our recycles fit in the single container whereas before we would have to stack much of it next to those puny bins they used before.
This is a very good improvement that can not be measured on the basis of number of pick-ups alone.
As I've said before, the only ones supporting single-stream and paying the same for 1/2 the service, are those (6-10%) already recycling.
Once there is an uproar from citizens that have no clue what's coming (the vast majority); how much will it cost to switch back?
I know where my vote will be falling in the next election.
Before moving to NLV, I lived in Northern Virginia and was paying over $30 a month for the same service. Believe me, the $13.74 is a bargain. I have the once a week service and have found it to be very convenient not having to separate my recycling. Biggest issue is to remember which week is the bulk pickup.
I have no space for 2 giant cans I won't use; is there a process to refuse the cans?
I hope many residents will clog the lines at Republic Services and City Hall when the summer stench ruins your outdoor activities.
Based on the last time this issue was raised, Chris was concerned that Republic was making themselves a new deal (that was better for them and not rate payers) with this plan for single stream recycling. Her reading of the contract with Republic was that they were already supposed to be providing (and they were collecting fees for) single stream recycling with the twice a week trash collection. She was pushing to keep that interpretation or get the savings to be given to customers rather than Republic. If all the commissioners were as conscientious as Chris the county would be a lot better off. I think people who live in other commission districts should ask their commissioners why they stood with Republic and not the voters.
@smaction:
I believe that you nailed it. The biggest issue I have with this is that Republic Services gets to keep anything they save and spend it on equipment. Never mind that by recycling we are already saving them money, as they can resell the stuff we separate out for them.
I am one of the people who recycles consistently, and I have even gotten extra bins from Republic. When I have asked about the wheeled bins (because it seems that the wind always blows at least 30 MPH when I have a bunch of light items outside in open bins) I have been told that they are "not available" in my area.
For those complaining about the "union workers": Republic has been replacing employees with equipment for some time. They are paying fewer employees, yet we have seen no decline in rates. Republic will implement cost saving measures (read: make more of our neighbors unemployed), then pocket the difference.
One thing that needs to be addressed is legally voiding any homeowner's associations mandates that garbage/recyclable containers be stored out of view of the street.
There's no way I'm going to tolerate or allow rotting garbage to stink up my home/garage in 110 degree heat in the summer.
I would much rather see Republic plow any savings back into equipment than constantly ask for higher rates like NV Energy does because we save too much.
Compare this to what NV Energy did by
a) replacing our meters with ones that allowed them to eliminate 100s of meter readers,
b) not reducing our rates to reflect the savings from that,
c) proposing to charge people significantly more for receiving the SAME service they had before if they switch back to the old meters, and
d) asking for an INCREASE in rates because we are now using less energy than ever before.
Republic is acting in a reasonable manner with this. As I said earlier, we are receiving a much higher quality of service at the same price, I won't complain at all about that.
Forced on me 8 months ago. 10 pickups a month, now down to 8 pickups a month is a 20% reduction in service, yet my bill hasn't gone down 20%. The cans stink in the summer, the drivers have become lazy since they don't have to get out of the truck much, sometimes they don't pick up one or the other, (missing the entire street). I refuse to keep them anywhere near my house because of all the insects they attract (even with frequent cleanings), which wastes more water. This is nothing but another cash cow for Republic.
how much is and who gets the cash for the recycled materials?
Don't know what to think about this. First off I follow my HOA rules and put my trash in the garage until pickup, which I have recently noticed mouse droppings in the garage. On the other hand I can now recycle with a large enclosed can without the neighbors knowing how much beer I drink. Think I'd prefer the system currently in place. Garbage pickup twice a week is perfect for me.
I agree with boftx @ 5:23 p.m. and desertfox @5:16 p.m.
Personally, I am extremely satisfied with the quality of service we receive from Republic Services. They are always polite and place the garbage can next to the garage door. They are very respectful. I have no complaints.
In terms of accomodating a second container in the garage, I am not sure how that will work out because of lack of space. I don't know how HOA's will address this issue if people start placing garbage and/or recycling receptacles on the side of their homes. This needs to be addressed.
This is fantastic news! I am speaking for many friends of mine in their 30's as I type this- we have been waiting for this for a couple years. I believe everyone should be forced to recycle. I currently have at least nine of those plastic bins that I put out for recycling, they take up so much space and waste so much time separating. We do a lot of entertaining and I still never have as much trash as recycling, once a week for each is perfect. They seem to pull it off in CA where everyone actually cares about their environment.
Concerned about the smell? Buy a can with a lid . I have lived here 35 years ( everyday of my life ) and seriously, the smell is never enough to even cross my mind, it's more that I am wading through recycling in my garage.
The cost isn't going up and the Republic Services guys aren't working any less. Recycle people. Especially if you are leaving this planet behind for your children and grandchildren. And cheer up! This is certainly not worth complaining about, this makes me happy!
Its simple. We're getting less service & Republic Services is making as much money as before...
How many of you out there would like to cut your work week by 50% & still get paid the same?
Going from two stops a week to one stop a week should mean that we will see a cut in what we pay...
It's nothing more than a rip-off!
Why does a change from small bins to a large can change the frequency of trash pickup? Pick up trash twice a week, and pick up recycling in the large can biweekly.
For those that are worried about the smell in the summer Get ready. For the person that said they have been here 35 years I have children older than you and they were born here and they think this is crazy. I have a summer home in Utah small town and have once week pickup. If it gets to 95 degrees they think it is hot yet the smell in the neighbor is bad an no one puts the cans in the garage due to smell while filling cans.
I cannot believe a contract to the year 2035. I believe something smells at clark county building.
We've had this for nearly 2 years now. Our rates actually went up about 25% as a result of this. Rates for garbage pickup went from about $35 per quarter to $45 per quarter. Our service is less as a result as well. Don't think of placing anything beside the can such as tree leaves or palm fronds. They won't pick it up. If you can't cram in the can, you are out of luck for pickup!
1/2 the garbage service, twice the recycleing service that they keep the cash. Not paying to recycle, that's how I interpret this!
El_Lobo,
I am really surprised that you took the stance you did. And even more surprised that you tried using fuzzy math like that.
Worst case, Republic is going from 5 pick-ups every 2 weeks to 4. That is a 20% reduction, not 50% as you said. But wait, they are adding a bulk pick-up every other week. If that is a separate run then they are back at 5 pick-ups every 2 weeks, same as it was.
It is very difficult to imagine how any family of 5 or less is being hurt by this change. We are a family of four, plus caring for our grand-daughter 4 or 5 days a week. We have a LOT of trash and recyclables. This was a great boon for us when we moved to an area that was part of the pilot program.
I would venture to say that the only people who feel they are hurt by this are not recycling to begin with. There is no way that a simple couple is going to fill the standard trash bin up in one week, and anyone who would not overflow the old three bin system with recyclables wasn't using them to begin with.
twice a week is NEEDED---not wanted or optional---there are times when twice a week is not enough for my home-- Why would anyone agree to this plan and save them a bunch of money while still charging us the same rate---fine if you want to pick up once a week, half the bill! its that simple--why would anyone agree to same rate???? of course someone is getting huge envelopes on the side...OF COURSE SOMEONE IS RIPPING OFF THE CITIZENS in this deal---SOMETHING STINKS---and it will be in everyones garage july!!!!!
When I lived in Henderson, I was part of the "test program" (my term). Believe me, it is terrible. My neighbors and I complained until we finally just gave up. The "test" was gonna work, whether we liked it, or not.
Garbage pick up once a week? In Las Vegas? Are those commissioners crazy? And those HOA's aren't going to allow any outside garbage cans either. When I lived there, we had 2x a week pickup and even THEN it was brutal when the temps were 110+ degrees! We had to keep the can in the garage and the inside of the garage smelled like a dump during the very hot summer days.
The cans in the picture are similar to what is used where I live now. The garbage trucks are all automated and has this huge arm that comes out and picks up the can and dumps it. There is only one man in the truck - the driver. Don't know if Republic has those. I can't remember. The cans are quite large and a lot of garbage fits in them. And they are "wind and racoon proof". But even here with the Midwestern weather - cold - hot and in between - the cans stink! The blue recylce can is smaller and they are emptied manually with pick up every 2 weeks. But, if it is too full, the stuff ends up on the street. And there really is an issue about what Brian_D said - everyone knowing your business including how much beer your drink and what you buy and what you use!!
Stink...and flies.
This kind of nonsense could only pass in February;
in July, it would NEVER FLY!
"Although commissioners approved the ordinance changes, they delayed action on a related item that would have amended the county's franchise agreement with Republic Services. The amended agreement is needed before the program can begin."
Looks like we still have time to prevent this from happening. Write your county commissioner, attend the meetings, and voice your opinion. Hopefully they will see the majority are against this.
There are more economical ways to increase recycling without cutting service or burdening residents.
Who else saw the documentary on Waste Management. In the late 80's they started realizing value in the waste they were burying. They developed a large volume sorter at the intake. Basically as a truck dumped its load the trash fed down a conveyor belt where 20 or so people picks out large items. It then fed into a chipper and into a trough of water; the sinking items went one way and the floating items another. The sinking items then pass under an industrial magnet pulling out all the ferrous metals. By the end of the process 80% of recyclables are recovered; much higher than any consumer sorting program. AND the program at Waste Management pays for itself PLUS some in the value of the recyclables they sell.
boftx: "Worst case, Republic is going from 5 pick-ups every 2 weeks to 4. That is a 20% reduction, not 50% as you said. But wait, they are adding a bulk pick-up every other week. If that is a separate run then they are back at 5 pick-ups every 2 weeks, same as it was."
For someone already recycling that may be true. For those that don't recyle, we lost 1/2 of our service.
The Commission needs to get OFF DEAD CENTER and demand that Republic reduce noise pollution. Those trucks are devaluing the quality of life so much. Vegas is still a 24-hour town where people are trying to sleep during trash pickups. Kids, pets, tourists, adults can be startled repeatedly by sudden loud noises as the truck compactors are set off. DO SOMETHING. Fewer pickups is good. Once a month works for me. Commission/Republic: think technology--MUFFLED equipment now.
I have to laugh at the energy Bill_Gordon is spending slamming this. You keep saying majority this and that but yet you lack any facts to back your rant up! Try recycling and quit using so much energy being selfish!
Here desert_eagle is the proof the MAJORITY do not recycle even with single-stream: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/oct...
"Just 3 percent of Republic Services' customers recycle their plastics, cans and paper, according to the trash hauler.
But some Southern Nevadans -- about 84,000 Republic customers -- recycle at 10 times that rate.
The difference between the 3 percent and 30 percent recyclers? Whether they have to sort their recyclables into three bins or are able to put them in a single container, sometimes called single-stream recycling."
Who the hell gets to keep a franchise agreement for another TWENTY YEARS for crying out loud! What a rip-off to the community and celebration for non-competitive franchise awards.
You naysayers are a dense as a block of cheese. The service isn't reduced! It's the exact same. Us recyclers realize that when you recycle your waste is reduced by more than 50% negating the need for twice a week trash pickups. Your recycling bin will be full way before your trash bin saving you money on trash liners.
All of a sudden everyone wants a cut of the recyclables. Recycling is an expensive business that hardly pays off- the price of used paper, aluminum and glass is pennies on the dollar.
If you have space for one garbage container, you more than likely have space for two. Those that have HOAs have the luxury of garages and also back patios. It's not that difficult to figure out a solution.
Some people you just can't please.
Is a disclaimer needed?
Does Republic Services support the Nevada branch of the Modern Whig Party?
It sure seems the director of the Nevada branch of the Modern Whig Party, boftx is lobbying for them...
Wait till it reaches 110 degrees and the stink of rotting garbage takes over. It will smell like we moved to China.
"Recycling" is a red herring excuse to increase profits to Republic. Neither it nor the County is serious about recycling. If they were, we would have mass recycling at the dump site or another processing location, where more than 75% of waste could be recovered, as in other places in the world. Republic has never been happy with the contract they bought voluntarily, so why not put it up for bid? There are collectors that would be happy to subject the entire garbage stream to recycling without subjecting customers to the inconvenience and inefficiency. Republic is able to pay for it from its previous covert reductions of service (e.g., from 30 bags per week to 10 and now to the equivalent of 5), reductions in residencial tonnage, and drastic increases in commercial rates, but won't because of its sweetheart monopoly contract awarded for nothing it return. As usual, the County gives public assets to its cronies and special interests, while giving the citizens nothing in return--except the bill!
I already recycle to the max.. you can't get any more out of me, but they are going to cut my trash pickup in half? Is Republic going to reduce my bill? or can I charge them for my services, when I have to make a trash trip to the dump every week! I'll be damned if I'm going to let diapers or pet waste marinate at my house all week in the summer..or maybe I'll deliver it to the 4 commissioners who decided this for us
kvg2009,
If you are currently recycling "to the max" using those three colored bins you will appreciate the change to a single, larger container.
At least in our neighborhood, we have not noticed any problems related to heat in the summer. If anything, it is a lot cleaner because the new containers have good lids and there is far less trash blowing around. Recycle day always resulted in a mess with the three bins for somebody.
By the way, we also have dogs, and a grandbaby who lived with us while in diapers. It simply isn't a problem.
And, Jeff, seriously? I'm arguing in favor of having it easier for people to recycle and you're going to bust my chops? :) On the other hand, I am dead set against the plan to bring back deposits on bottles and cans since we already recycle and having take our empties to a collection point would be a hassle, to say the least.
I found that I have more recycling than I have trash every week. As far as the odor, just tape a car air freshener to the inside of the can reduces the odor.
Roberta - Reducing from two days to one will reduce the level of noise pollution. I have worked all shifts at one point or another. I found that the trash truck with less offensive than the kids yelling outside while playing.
Everyone wishes to complain about recycling. Wait until the landfill gets full and the county has to increase the rates to build a new one. Then you will get everyone complaining about where to place the landfill. So recycle and save the planet!
I have to give Roslenda credit.
There is not a day or subject that she can't find something to complain about.
Must be a hard life being her.
A couple minutes of noise each week is ruining her life.
Just think if this was 100 years ago - The commissioners are discussing about requiring inside plumbing. People would be complaining about having to bring the outhouse inside.