Diverse & Circular Economy

Creating a robust and diversified economy that reimagines waste and resource use while investing in our human capital.

Credit: Republic Services

The Problem with Landfills

There's No Such Things As "Away"

Although we may not see our trash again after we throw it away, the impacts of our waste are long-lasting. When waste, particularly organic waste, decomposes in a landfill, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas that is more potent and stays in the atmosphere longer than carbon dioxide. Landfills can also pose risks to human health and air quality.

Reducing the amount of waste that we produce while reusing materials and increasing recycling will offer new opportunities to both reduce emissions and diversify our economy.

Reimagined Economy

Increasing Our Diversion Rate

Clark County has set ambitious goals to encourage more recycling and reuse. Our diversion rate, or the amount of recycled material as a percent of total waste, grew from 8% in 2009 to 20% in 2019. With targets for a 40% diversion rate by 2030 and a 70% diversion rate by 2050, we are going above and beyond the statewide recycling goal of 25%.

To reach our 2050 goal, we will work hard to build on the progress already has made by expanding existing reuse and recycling programs. Toggle between the years 2019 and 2050 on the chart below to visualize what it will take to get to near-zero waste!

Did you know? The national average household diversion rate is 32.1%.

2019

Diversion Rate = 20%

2019

Trash Rate = 80%

Leading by Example

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The Vegas Recycling Center, operated by Republic Services, processes more than 2 million pounds of material every day; it is the largest recycling facility in North America. Republic Services is also opening a Polymer Center in 2023, which will be the first single-source facility for plastics recycling in the nation. The more we recycle, and recycle correctly, the less energy and raw materials are needed to produce the goods we use. In 2019, Clark County residents kept over 355,000 tons of solid waste out of the landfill, avoiding an estimated 878,000 MTCO2e.

Credit: Republic Services

Photo credit: Chase Stevens, Las Vegas Review Journal

Leading by Example

Preventing Food Waste

Reducing the amount of organic matter, including food waste, that ends up in our landfills is critical for reducing emissions. One example of how large-scale food waste reduction is already being achieved locally can be found at MGM Resorts. Through a partnership with Three Square Food Bank in Las Vegas, MGM Resorts minimizes its food waste while supporting the community. MGM flash freezes leftover food from its events to get it safely to community members in need.

Since 2016, MGM Resorts has donated 1.5 million meals!

Smart Solutions for a Circular Economy

Explore the goals, strategies, and actions in the All-In Community Plan. Use the dropdown table to see the progress we've made towards implementing each action!

Diverse & Circular Economy

Goal 1

Southern Nevada maximizes utilization of waste resources.

Goal 1

Southern Nevada maximizes utilization of waste resources.

Strategy 1.1

Minimize waste generation throughout Clark County

Action	Description	Status
1.1.A	Identify opportunities and create local legislation to replace single use plastics and polystyrene.
1.1.B	Support the growth of zero-waste and refill shops and incentivize businesses to offer consumer goods without individual packaging.
1.1.C	Develop Zero-Waste Toolkits for Residents and Small Businesses.

Strategy 1.2

Divert all possible reusable, recyclable, and organic materials from the landfill.

Action	Description	Status
1.2.A	Secure funding to build an anaerobic digester.
1.2.B	Implement a County-wide curbside pick-up program for organic material and food waste.
1.2.C	Expand food diversion programs in coordination with the resort corridor, convention center, and other food industry sources.
1.2.D	Create a Sustainable Materials Management task force to assess opportunities to reduce waste from construction, major renovations, and demolition projects.

Goal 2

The region’s economy is diverse and in alignment with innovation and sustainability.

Goal 2

The region’s economy is diverse and in alignment with innovation and sustainability.

Strategy 2.1

Foster innovation and sustainability in existing businesses.

Action	Description	Status
2.1.A	Build partnerships with existing Green Business Programs that provide education, training, financial and technical assistance.

Strategy 2.2

Promote the region as a hub of innovation and sustainability to encourage economic growth.

Action	Description	Status
2.2.A	Establish incentives to build a sustainable technology industry, such as solar manufacturing, solar process heat, and battery recycling.
2.2.A	Create a Sustainable Innovation Incubator focused on recruiting and growing businesses that drive innovative climate solutions.
2.2.A	Design and promote a travel offset program for tourists and conventions to fund local sustainability programs.

Goal 3

Workforce development opportunities are abundant and accessible to all.

Goal 3

Workforce development opportunities are abundant and accessible to all.

Strategy 3.1

Develop and ensure access to training and education on skills needed for the innovation economy, particularly among the region’s underserved communities.

Action	Description	Status
3.1.A	Partner with trade unions to provide worker incentives and host trainings on skills needed for an innovation economy.

Are You All In?

Get Smart About Waste

There are many ways to reduce your waste in a responsible way. Learn more!

Cut down on the waste you produce by investing in refillable products

The Minimal Market Online

Incorporate sustainability into your business to reduce emissions and waste

Sustainable Business Practices

Get more use out of your food waste by signing up for a community composting program

Las Vegas Compost