Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Offers Trash Collection

We’ve talked a lot about trash: how to reduce it, ways to manage it, and where to take it after Burning Man is over. The latter is always the biggest challenge, year after year.

New this year: The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe’s stores on Highway 447 in Nixon and Wadsworth will be accepting Burner refuse for 24 hours a day, starting Saturday of the Burn until Tuesday after the event (more details below).

The program is offered through the Public Utilities Department (PUD) of the Tribe and is designed to target last year’s issue of nasty overflowing dumpsters at both stores.  The PUD will have dumpsters at both stores again, but this year they will man those stores for 24 hours a day, Saturday of the Man Burn thru Tuesday post event. The PUD will charge $5.00 for regular and properly bagged refuse. They will also accept (but charge more for) carpet ($25), sofas, bedding, etc.  Check out both stores on Highway 447 to properly dispose of your trash, support the tribe and grab a snack for the road.  And don’t forget to say “THANK YOU!”

The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe (PLPT) has lived here for thousands of years. The land we travel through–and the land we camp on–is considered sacred and has always been theirs. Visit the Paiute Tribe’s website to learn more about their history, Pyramid Lake, their business amenities, and the incredible work they do with endangered and ancient trout.  By providing trash services to Burners, this year the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe (PLPT) is raising money for the community while doing you a BIG favor. Don’t forget to say thank you!

Details on trash drop-off:

• Drop off points are at the PLPT stores  on Hwy 447 in Nixon and Wadsworth (at Interstate 80).
• Trash is $5 per bag.
• Carpet and oversized items will be accepted, but will cost more to drop off.
• All of the money collected will benefit the tribe.

Ways to say “thanks”:

• Drive slowly through town! You are passing schools and neighborhoods.
• Stop at Fry Bread stands, have a snack and donate to the local food drive.
• Visit the Museum and Visitors Center (near the junction of 446 and 447 at the Nixon store) to see great art and learn about Paiute culture and history.
• Respect the lake: you must obtain a permit to camp there.
• Saty “Thank you” to everyone you interact with from the tribe – it’s that simple!

A final reminder: Nixon is 60 miles from Gerlach. Your trash needs to be secured well enough to make that 60 mile drive. There is no place to drop trash near the Black Rock Desert. Pack it out!