QUICK REFERENCE
NO PUBLIC TRASH CANS: Pack it in, pack it out - bring all trash home with you RECYCLING: Aluminum cans only at Recycle Camp (5:45 & Esplanade), 9am-5pm Mon-Sun
COMPOSTING: 3 locations for organic food item dropoff, generally 3-6pm during Burn Week GRAY WATER: Never dump on playa - use evaporation, containment, or take off-playa COLLEXODUS: Donate unused items at exit (Sat 1pm through Tue morning)
BIKE DONATION: 3 approved bike donation locations off-playa OFF-PLAYA DISPOSAL: Multiple locations in Reno, Fernley, and along exit routes
MOST COMMON QUESTIONS:
Where do I put my trash? → No public disposal - secure in your camp and take home
Can I recycle anything? → Only aluminum cans at Recycle Camp, everything else goes home
Where do I dump gray water? → Never on playa - evaporate, contain, or dispose off-playa
What's Collexodus? → Donation collection on exit road for DPW crew and community
Can I leave my bike for someone to collect? → NO! If you brought it in, you must bring it out
Where can I dispose of trash off-playa? → Multiple transfer stations and landfills in Reno area
REMEMBER: Every piece of waste affects our environmental assessment and future permits
See detailed disposal locations, management strategies, and cleanup responsibilities below
Also see:
E2: Safety & Environmental (for Leave No Trace principles, environmental compliance)
C1: Basic Needs (for gray water sources, ice melt management)
B3: Arrival & Departure (for Collexodus donations, departure preparation)
C3: Practical Services (for RV waste services)
Waste management system:
Prevention → E2 (principles) + F3 (strategies)
Daily management → F3 (techniques) + C1 (source reduction)
Disposal → F3 (off-playa options) + C3 (professional services)
Community cleanup → F3 (requirements) + E2 (environmental protection)
On-Playa Waste Management
No Public Trash Service
Reality: No trash cans or dumpsters provided anywhere in Black Rock City Responsibility: Every participant must manage and pack out their own waste Philosophy: Leave No Trace principle applied to all waste streams Impact: Proper waste management protects future event permits and community access
Personal Waste Management Strategy
Containment System:
Secure containers for all trash in your camp
Separate recyclables (aluminum cans for on-playa recycling)
Weatherproof storage to prevent wind dispersal
Regular maintenance to prevent overflow and scattered debris
Waste Reduction Strategies:
Remove packaging before packing for event
Choose reusable over disposable items
Coordinate with campmates to minimize individual waste
Plan meals to minimize food waste
Security and Transportation:
Secure all waste containers during dust storms
Load trash into vehicles before final camp cleanup
Ensure waste is secured for travel to prevent highway littering
Plan vehicle space for waste transport home or to disposal facilities
Aluminum Can Recycling (Only On-Playa Option)
Recycle Camp Location: 5:45 & Esplanade Hours: Monday through Sunday of Burn Week, 9:00am - 5:00pm [note CLOSED on Labor Day (final Monday)] Accepted: Aluminum cans ONLY
What Recycle Camp Accepts:
Beverage cans (soda, beer, energy drinks)
Food cans (if aluminum)
Clean aluminum cans from participants and staff
NOT Accepted:
Aluminum foil or other aluminum products
Glass bottles or containers
Plastic bottles or containers
Tin or steel cans
Paper, cardboard, or other recyclables
Any garbage or non-aluminum items
Community Benefit:
Collected cans crushed and bagged on-site
Donated to Gerlach School as fundraising resource
Supports local community education programs
Black Rock Compost – Playa-Wide Compost Project
Locations and hours
3 locations for 2025
Ideate: C & 4:40
Ocean Beach: A & 4:00
Get Your Shit Together: B & 6:45
Monday through Sunday of Burn Week, 3–6 PM
What you can compost
Organic food waste only — if you can eat it, you can compost it
No paper, compostable plastics, wood, or other non-food items
No tea bags, coffee filters, ashes, wood chips, paper plates, wooden utensils, or sanitary products
Tea and coffee (no bags/filters) accepted; remove produce stickers (e.g., from avocados)
Large quantities (e.g., banana peels from events) welcome — dry them and remove stickers before drop-off
Cost
Donation-based program — compost drop-off accepted regardless of contribution
Suggested donation: $5/person (e.g., 50-person camp = $250)
All donations support operating costs for the Playa-Wide Compost Project
Drop-off preparation
Remove all non-compostables before drop-off
Dry out food waste as much as possible to prevent leakage and reduce spoilage in heat
Transport in bins, buckets, or burlap sacks — avoid leaks during transit
Mixed approved items can be brought in one container
Why drying matters
Containers hold ~10,000 gallons of food waste; excess liquid creates spill risks on playa
Drying helps minimize weight, odor, and leakage
Gray Water Management
Gray Water Prohibition
Federal Requirement: No dumping of any gray water on playa surface Legal Authority: Bureau of Land Management permit violations can result in citations Environmental Impact: Creates muddy conditions and introduces contaminants Future Access: Violations affect Burning Man's ability to obtain future permits
What Constitutes Gray Water
Kitchen Sources:
Dish washing water (with soap, food particles, grease)
Food preparation water and ice melt
Coffee grounds and beverage preparation waste
Cooking water and food rinsing
Personal Care Sources:
Shower and bathing water (with soap, shampoo, body wash)
Teeth brushing and face washing water
Shaving water and personal hygiene
Gray water from portable washing systems
General Sources:
Ice melt from coolers and containers
Cleaning water with soaps or chemicals
Any water contaminated with foreign substances
Condensation from air conditioning systems
Evaporation Systems
Design Principles:
Large surface area for maximum evaporation
Shallow containers to speed evaporation process
Mesh or fabric filters to separate solids
Covered systems to prevent dust contamination
Construction Options:
Purpose-built evaporation containers (evapotrons)
Large, shallow pans with drainage systems
Kiddie pools with drain modifications
DIY systems using tarps and frames
Maintenance Requirements:
Daily cleaning to prevent buildup and odors
Regular emptying of solid waste and debris
Protection from dust storm contamination
End-of-event complete cleanup and removal
Containment Systems
Tank Storage:
Large containers or tanks for gray water collection
Pumping systems for easy filling and removal
Secure lids to prevent contamination and evaporation
Transport capability for off-playa disposal
Portable Systems:
RV gray water tanks and holding systems
Portable gray water containers with wheels
Collapsible containers for easy transport
Small-scale containment for minimal gray water production
Professional Services
United Site Services (USS):
Pre-arranged gray water collection for large camps
Provides collection tanks and scheduled pickup
Professional disposal at approved off-playa facilities
Contracts must be arranged before event
Service Details:
Large camps (50+ people) can pre-arrange service
Collection tanks provided and picked up post-event
Professional disposal ensures proper environmental handling
Cost varies based on volume and service requirements
Gray Water Management Best Practices
Volume Reduction:
Use minimal water for washing and cleaning
Wipe dishes clean before washing to reduce grease
Use biodegradable soaps to minimize environmental impact
Coordinate with campmates to maximize efficiency
Treatment and Filtering:
Strain solids from gray water before disposal/evaporation
Use grease traps for kitchen gray water
Filter systems to separate different waste streams
Settling tanks to allow separation of solids and liquids
Environmental Considerations:
Never dump gray water in porto-potties (clogs systems)
Avoid gray water storage that creates breeding grounds for insects
Use biodegradable soaps when possible
Plan for increased evaporation time in humid conditions
Collexodus Donation Collection
What Is Collexodus?
Purpose: Collection of unused items from departing participants Beneficiaries: DPW Playa Restoration Crew, year-round staff, Gerlach community Philosophy: Gifting, civic responsibility, and Leave No Trace principles Location: Exit road, just before Greeters station, both sides of road
Collexodus Operating Schedule
Start: Saturday 1:00pm (Burn night) Hours: 24/7 operation through Tuesday morning post-event Peak Times: Sunday and Monday during major exodus Final Collection: Tuesday morning before road closure
Accepted Donations
Food and Beverages:
Unopened non-perishable foods (canned goods, snacks, dry goods)
Unopened beverages (soda, juice, energy drinks, alcohol)
Sealed snacks and packaged foods
Condiments and cooking supplies (unopened)
Personal Care and Health:
Unopened personal care items (toothpaste, soap, shampoo)
First aid supplies and medications (unopened)
Sunscreen and skin care products
Socks and undergarments (new)
Supplies and Equipment:
Cleaning supplies and chemicals
Coolers and insulated containers (no Styrofoam)
Storage items (Ziploc bags, containers, totes with lids)
Camping gear and equipment in good condition
Miscellaneous Items:
Batteries and electronic supplies
Tape (duct, gorilla, masking, blue painter's)
Tools and hardware (good condition)
Books, games, and entertainment items
Items NOT Accepted
Perishable Items:
Fresh food, produce, dairy products
Opened food containers or partially consumed items
Ice or frozen items
Any food requiring refrigeration
Damaged or Inappropriate Items:
Broken or damaged equipment
Used personal care items
Clothing (except new socks and underwear)
Opened containers or packages
Prohibited Items:
Large or medium water containers (handling issues)
Styrofoam coolers (environmental concerns)
Hazardous materials or chemicals
Items requiring special disposal
Donation Process and Etiquette
Vehicle Preparation:
Pack donation items accessibly for easy removal
Separate donations from personal items and trash
Organize items by type for easier processing
Label boxes or bags if helpful for volunteers
Donation Interaction:
Be patient during busy periods
Follow volunteer directions for traffic flow
Don't feel obligated to donate - it's voluntary
Consider the needs of restoration crew when selecting items
Additional Services:
Window washing stations available for safe travel
Volunteers help with unloading large donations
Information about travel conditions and weather
Bicycle Donation Options
Leave no trace. A bike is a BIG trace. Somehow it’s become a common myth (playa legend, perhaps?) that it’s perfectly acceptable to leave your bike behind upon striking your camp. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you pack it in, pack it out!
If you purchased your bicycle from Black Rock Bicycles (7875 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV), they have a new program that allows you to return the bike to them, where they clean and store it for you for next year.
Off-Playa Waste Disposal Options
Comprehensive Disposal Facilities (Trash and Recycling)
Waste Management - Stead Transfer Station
Address: 13890 Mt Anderson, Reno NV Phone: (775) 972-9160 Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 8am - 4pm Services: Trash disposal and recycling processing Distance: ~25 miles from typical exit route
Waste Management - Fernley/Churchill Transfer Station
Address: 1100 US Highway 95A, Fernley NV Phone: (775) 329-8822 Hours: 8am - 4:30pm (Closed Labor Day) Services: Trash disposal and recycling processing Distance: Directly on major exit route (Highway 95A)
Trash-Only Disposal Facilities
Waste Management - Lockwood Regional Landfill
Address: 2700 East Mustang Rd, Reno NV Phone: (775) 342-0401 Hours: Monday - Saturday: 8am - 4:30pm (Closed Labor Day) Services: Trash disposal only Cost: Fees based on vehicle type and load size
Waste Management - Commercial Row Transfer Station
Address: 1390 E. Commercial Row, Reno NV Phone: (775) 326-2416 Hours: Monday - Friday: 7am - 5pm, Saturday & Sunday: 8:30am - 4:30pm (Open Labor Day) Services: Trash disposal only
Recycling-Only Facilities
Waste Management/Recycle America - Reno Recycling Center
Address: 1390 E. Commercial Row, Reno NV Phone: (775) 326-2381 Hours: Monday - Friday: 7am - 5pm, Saturday & Sunday: 8am - 4:30pm (Open Labor Day) Services: Comprehensive recycling processing Accepted: Paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, glass
Green Solutions
Address: 1085 Telegraph St., Reno NV Phone: (775) 870-0812 Hours: Monday - Saturday: 7:30am - 4pm Services: Recycling and electronic waste
Tribal and Local Options
Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe:
Some tribal entrepreneurs operate collection stations on tribal lands along Highway 447
Ensure businesses have proper Pyramid Lake permits
Support local businesses while disposing responsibly
Prices and services vary by operator
RV and Gray Water Disposal Options
Pyramid Lake Marina & Campground
Address: 2500 Lakeview Drive, Sutcliffe, NV Phone: (775) 476-1155 Hours: 7 days/week, closes at 8pm Services: RV dumping, gray and black water disposal
Love's Travel Stop
Address: 825 Commerce Center Drive, Fernley, NV Phone: (775) 575-2200 Hours: 7 days/week, 24 hours/day Services: RV services, fuel, gray and black water disposal
Golden Gate Petroleum
Address: 1055 South Rock Blvd, Sparks, NV Phone: (775) 358-7400 Hours: 7 days/week, 5am - 9pm Services: RV services and waste disposal
TA Travel Center
Address: 200 N. McCarran Blvd, Sparks NV Phone: (775) 359-0550 Hours: 7 days/week, 24 hours/day Services: Full RV services, waste disposal, fuel
Community Cleanup Responsibilities
Individual Cleanup Obligations
Personal Camp Cleanup:
Complete MOOP sweep of your camp area before departure
Grid system: line up and walk slowly across entire camp
Remove all traces of your presence
Leave the area better than you found it
Community Service Expectation:
Contribute minimum 2 hours to general community cleanup
Join Earth Guardians MOOP trains and tours
Help with common areas and public spaces
Assist neighbors with cleanup efforts when possible
Earth Guardians Program
Location: Esplanade & 5:00 Services: Environmental education, cleanup coordination, MOOP bags Daily Tours: 11:00am MOOP train to trash fence and city cleanup Education: Leave No Trace training and environmental stewardship Resources: Personal MOOP bags, cleanup tools, educational materials
MOOP Prevention and Cleanup
Prevention Strategies:
Use tarps under high-activity areas (kitchens, workshops, parties)
Secure all items against wind with stakes, weights, tethers
Never let anything hit the ground - containers and covers for everything
Address spills and messes immediately
Daily Maintenance:
Conduct daily MOOP sweeps of your area
Check for windblown debris from neighboring areas
Secure loose items before dust storms
Clean as you go rather than waiting until departure
Final Cleanup Process:
Pack Everything: Load all belongings and trash into vehicles first
Break Down Dunes: Flatten dust accumulations around camp structures
Grid Sweep: Form line across camp, walk slowly examining every square foot
Final Inspection: Walk camp perimeter checking for missed areas
Neighbor Check: Verify neighboring areas are clean
Post-Event Environmental Assessment
BLM Monitoring: Bureau of Land Management conducts comprehensive environmental impact assessment Future Permits: Assessment results affect ability to obtain future event permits Community Impact: Poor environmental performance affects entire community's access Long-term Responsibility: Cleanup efforts protect desert ecosystem and future generations
Pro Tips for Volunteers
Waste Management Education
No Public Trash Reality:
"Bring everything home with you - no trash service provided"
"Secure all waste in your camp to prevent wind dispersal"
"Plan vehicle space for transporting trash home or to disposal facilities"
"Aluminum cans are the ONLY recyclable accepted on-playa"
“Organic food materials can be composted at 3 locations… and hopefully your camp pre-registered!”
Environmental Responsibility:
"Every piece of trash affects our environmental assessment"
"Proper waste management protects future permits and community access"
"Leave No Trace applies to all waste streams"
Gray Water Management Guidance
Clear Prohibition:
"Never dump gray water on playa - creates mud and contamination"
"Use evaporation systems, containment, or professional disposal"
"All water with soap, food, or other substances counts as gray water"
"Ice melt and dish water are gray water too"
Solution Options:
"Evaporation systems work well in dry climate"
"Large camps can arrange professional gray water collection"
"Containment and off-playa disposal always an option"
"Reduce gray water production through conservation"
Collexodus Information
Donation Opportunity:
"Donate unused items to support restoration crew and local community"
"Located on exit road - pack donations accessibly"
"Only unopened, non-perishable items accepted"
"Supports DPW crew staying to clean up after event"
Participation Encouragement:
"Great way to practice gifting principle while leaving"
"Helps local Gerlach community throughout the year"
"Better to donate than throw away unused supplies"
Off-Playa Disposal Support
Planning Assistance:
"Multiple disposal options in Reno and Fernley areas"
"Fernley transfer station right on exit route"
"Some facilities closed Labor Day - plan accordingly"
"Tribal businesses along Highway 447 support local community"
Cost and Service Information:
"Fees vary by facility and vehicle type"
"Call ahead to confirm hours and services"
"Some facilities offer both trash and recycling"
"RV disposal available at travel centers"
Community Cleanup Encouragement
Personal Responsibility:
"Clean your camp thoroughly before departure"
"Use grid sweep method to catch all MOOP"
"Two hours community service expected from everyone"
"Leave the playa better than you found it"
Community Benefit:
"Good cleanup protects everyone's future access"
"Earth Guardians provide tools, education, and coordination"
"Community effort makes cleanup manageable"
"Environmental stewardship is core Burning Man value"
Common Misconceptions to Address
"Someone else will clean it up" → Everyone responsible for their own waste and community areas "It's just the desert" → Federal land with strict environmental regulations and monitoring "Gray water will just evaporate" → Creates contamination and violates federal permits "I can burn my trash" → Illegal and toxic - all waste must be packed out