PSA 10/7/2026: Solid Waste Department Builds on Amnesty Day Success and Service Improvements
LAS VEGAS, N.M. – From neighborhood cleanup initiatives to major equipment investments and facility upgrades, the City of Las Vegas Solid Waste Department continues making significant strides in improving services, strengthening operations and meeting the needs of the community.
Over the past two years, the department has focused on infrastructure improvements, employee and customer safety, equipment upgrades, grant opportunities and community engagement. These efforts reflect an ongoing commitment to providing dependable, efficient and accessible Solid Waste services to Las Vegas residents.
One of the department’s most notable accomplishments is its record of consistent service. For more than two years, the Solid Waste facility has not experienced a full-day closure outside of regularly observed holidays. That level of consistency was not always the case in prior years, making the department’s recent record of uninterrupted service an especially meaningful achievement. Maintaining consistent operations while completing upgrades and addressing daily service needs requires careful coordination, planning and dedication from department employees. For residents and businesses who depend on Solid Waste services, that consistency means reliable access to an essential City service.
The department recently continued its community cleanup efforts through two residential Amnesty Day events, providing residents across all four City wards with opportunities to dispose of unwanted household items and bulky waste. The first event was held Saturday, September 19, 2026, for Wards 3 and 4, followed by a second event Saturday, September 26, for Wards 1 and 2.
Together, the events drew 68 participants. In total, residents disposed of 51,880 pounds — nearly 26 tons — of unwanted material, roughly equivalent to the combined weight of about 14 passenger vehicles. The cleanup also included 56 tires, 21 mattresses, two box springs, 16 sofas, three televisions and one chair. Based on the reported weight of materials collected, Ward 4 led the cleanup efforts with 24,320 pounds and 21 participants, followed by Ward 1 with 11,440 pounds and 14 participants, Ward 2 with 8,560 pounds and 16 participants, and Ward 3 with 7,600 pounds and 17 participants.
Each ward made a notable contribution to the overall effort. Ward 4 led in total material collected, tires and participation. Ward 1 collected the most mattresses, Ward 3 collected the most sofas and chairs, and Ward 2 collected the most televisions. The events not only provided residents with a convenient opportunity to dispose of unwanted materials but also encouraged neighborhood pride and shared responsibility for maintaining a cleaner community.
“While we have seen a decrease in the amount of material coming in during these cleanup events, that does not mean people are not participating or doing their part. In many ways, it shows that residents are taking advantage of consistent, reliable Solid Waste services throughout the year,” said Solid Waste and Gas Director David Marquez. “Providing dependable service and good customer service makes a tremendous difference in keeping our community clean. Our Solid Waste staff drives these positive outcomes every day, and every employee plays an important role. I am very proud of the work they do and the difference they continue to make in our community.”
City leadership also showed its support before and during the events. Ward 1 Councilor David Ulibarri, Ward 2 Councilor Benito Pacheco, Ward 3 Councilor Barbara Casey and Ward 4 Councilor Marvin Martinez each appeared on the radio ahead of their respective events to help inform residents about Amnesty Day and encourage participation. Each councilor also attended their ward’s event and connected with residents and crews.
Councilor Ulibarri went a step further by assisting a Ward 1 resident who was unable to transport debris to the collection site, helping ensure the neighbor could still participate in the cleanup effort. Mayor David Romero also stopped by during the first event to visit with participants and show his support for the community cleanup initiative. The City extends a special thank you to each councilor, the Mayor, participating residents and Solid Waste employees for helping make the events a success.
The department has also continued expanding its community involvement through the return of Amnesty Day events, ward cleanup initiatives and increased participation in Gallinas River Park Cleanup efforts. Building on that momentum, the Solid Waste Department continues investing in equipment, infrastructure, safety and operational improvements that strengthen day-to-day services and support the community’s long-term needs.
Completed improvements include new facility gates, scale and drainage upgrades, a new roll-off truck, side-loader commercial truck, deck-over trailer, composting bins, the Chevrolet “Turtle Truck” and the purchase of a previously leased excavator. Additional improvements are underway at the Transfer Station, including expansion, Pro Panel installation and door repairs, along with continued methane testing at the former landfill. Future priorities include a Ford F-350 for work orders, paving and drainage improvements, guard rails, additional concrete work, a maintenance building, a carport for packer trucks, additional Solid Waste containers and a smaller packer truck for the Turtle Route.
Employee and customer safety remain priorities, with improved work-zone measures and two-way radios helping strengthen communication and daily operations. The department has also improved efficiency through customer audits and full staffing, supporting more consistent and reliable service. These efforts are further supported by three successful grants funding programs, equipment and community services while reducing reliance on local resources.
Solid Waste employees provide essential services every day, from residential and commercial collection and equipment maintenance to Transfer Station operations and community cleanup events. One of the department’s most notable accomplishments is maintaining facility operations for more than two years without a full-day closure outside of regularly observed holidays. With continued investment in equipment, infrastructure, safety and community service, the department remains focused on reliable operations, greater efficiency and a cleaner, safer Las Vegas.
Together, these efforts are making a difference—one neighborhood, one project and one day at a time.
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