Nicolas Jacques, Isaac Mendoza, and Cecelia Martinez are recycling auditors, roaming the streets of Las Cruces with smiles, but also with tags. They’re with the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) which is sending out crews to physically inspect blue recycling bins throughout the city in an effort to educate the public about what does and does not go into the bin.
It’s called “Tug, Tip, Tag and Turn,” a program developed by The Recycle Partnership. First a tug; generally recyclables are lightweight, so if the bin feels heavy, something is probably wrong. Secondly, the lid is tipped open for a look inside. Then it’s either putting a “Thank You!” tag - for an all clear with the right recyclables - or an “Oops!” tag which has a note about what was wrong in the recycling bin - trash, yard clippings, plastic bags.
Lastly, for those bins that have huge problems, perhaps as being used specifically as trash bin and not recycling, they will be turned around and not picked up by the drivers.
Laura Lashley watches the tagging from her garage. She’s glad to hear that her recycling blue bin got the “Thank You!” tag, and she noted that she has restricted what she puts in her recycling to make sure it fits the bill. “It’s good to have it be an education for what people may be putting in their bins,” said Lashley.
Another gentleman stops his truck in front of Jacques who was peering into the bin. Jacques explained briefly the project. The man says he stops by the residence to care for a 90-year-old acquaintance, and sometimes has to curb her enthusiastic recycling. And, it must work – because that bin also received a “Thank You!” tag.
Tarkeysha Burton, SCSWA Education and Outreach coordinator, was also able to head out with the crew and work with residents who approached with questions. One resident asked about whether or not rinsing plastic bottles and aluminum cans wouldn’t be worse because the extra use of water.
“It’s a precious resource,” conceded Burton. “But, the rinsing is to stem bacterial growth which can cause vector-borne disease and attract bugs or rats.” The resident nodded at her answer.
After the Recycling Listening Sessions (the presentations can still be found online for those who want to catch up at: https://scswa.net/scswa-recycling-listening-session-presentations/), the ability for SCSWA crew to walk the streets allows them to collect real feedback on the daily recycling habits of the citizens of Las Cruces. Please note that although recycling pickup is slowed a bit because of this process… your blue bin will be serviced on your normal pickup day.
Green Connections is submitted by the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) managing solid waste and recyclables for residents and businesses throughout Doña Ana County. Contact the SCSWA at (575) 528-3800 or visit www.SCSWA.net.