7th Annual Mint 400 Desert Cleanup presented by Republic Services Sets New Collection Record!

Each year, the Mint 400 Desert Cleanup presented by Republic Services marks the unofficial start of race week for the BFGoodrich Tires Mint 400, as hundreds of volunteers head to the race spectator area in Jean, Nevada to collect illegally dumped waste. But this year’s Desert Cleanup was one for the record books, as 200 volunteers collected an astounding 46.56 tons—or 93,120 pounds—of trash. [gallery columns="2" size="medium" ids="326177,326178"] “We can’t thank Republic Services and all of our volunteers enough for setting a brand new collection record at this year’s Mint 400 Desert Cleanup!” said Mint 400 CEO Matt Martelli. “Jean is a popular area not only for Mint 400 spectators, but also for OHVs and other recreational use, but the way that we keep these areas usable and open for all is by making sure we’re responsible and taking care of them. The Desert Cleanup is one of the many ways we show that we don’t just want to put on a great race, we also want to leave the areas we use better than we found them. The fact that we were able to set a new collection record shows our commitment to cleaning up, but also shows how much work is left to be done. Join us in keeping these spaces clean and welcoming to all—Don’t Trash The Desert!” "Republic Services is committed to helping keep our planet clean,” said Sustainability Ambassador, Jeremy Walters, of Republic Services. “We value our partnership with The Mint 400 and cannot thank our volunteers enough for their time and dedication over the past 7 years. As recreationists, we have a responsibility to leave nature better than we found it. Removing over 375,000 pounds of trash from some of the toughest terrain in the Mojave desert is no small feat. It is both humbling and inspiring to watch volunteers put sustainability in action year after year. We could not be more proud of the work that has taken place and look forward to continued success in 2024." [gallery size="medium" ids="326171,326180,326172"] 2023 marked the seventh consecutive year that Mint 400 organizers and Republic Services have teamed up for desert beautification efforts prior to the event. The inaugural Dash for Trash collected more than 14.5 tons of illegally dumped waste from the Nevada desert in 2017, and the first six years saw more than 140 tons of trash collected. Each year, the event has continued to expand, as more volunteers sign up to help and top industry sponsors encourage participation through raffles and prizes. This year’s Desert Cleanup pushed the all-time total of trash collected to 187.87 tons of trash, or 375,740 pounds. Republic Services, Inc. is a leader in the U.S. environmental services industry. Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides superior service offerings while partnering with customers to create a more sustainable world. For more information, visit RepublicServices.com, or follow us at Facebook.com/RepublicServices, @RepublicService on Twitter or Republic Services on LinkedIn. [gallery columns="2" size="medium" ids="326181,326179"] The Mint 400 has held the title of the toughest, most spectacular off-road race in North America since 1968 when it was first run. Initially, the race was a public relations event promoting the Mint Hotel’s annual deer hunt. but what started out as a hotel promotion soon grew into a legitimate desert race. Since its 2008 revival, “The Great American Off-Road Race” has only gotten bigger and more prestigious, and deeper fields every year only make it tougher to win. This year’s BFGoodrich Tires Mint 400 will take place from March 8-12 in Las Vegas. More information on the event for racers and spectators is available at TheMint400.com, or follow the event on Facebook and Instagram.

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