The big blue bins at East Picacho Elementary School stand proudly for recycling and are eye catching for kids as they pass by into the bus lane for drop off. It’s a reminder, every morning, that recycling is a part of their lives. Unfortunately, the bins are now frequently filled with trash instead of recyclables… and changes are coming.
“East Picacho Elementary is only one example of recycling gone awry,” explained Patrick Peck, director of South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA), which manages the recycling program in Las Cruces. “Like the Recycling Yard adjacent to the Old Foothills Landfill (OFL) - which used to be open 24 hours a day - illegal dumpers have in essence ruined it for all of us.” Because of illegal dumping, the OLF Recycling Yard is being fenced this month and hours restricted to the hours the Landfill is open and staff is on duty.
Contaminants like Styrofoam packaging and plastic bags are never allowed in recycling bins. Recyclables must be clean, dry and loose in the bin. If you have trash to throw away, take it to the SCSWA Transfer Station, 2865 W. Amador Ave. The facility is open seven days a week and it only costs $5.50 to dispose of 200 pounds of trash - about what fills the back of a pickup truck.
For those looking for a spot for their clean and dry corrugated cardboard or plastic bottles, in addition to the Recycling Center at the SCSWA, school recycling locations like East Picacho Elementary, 4450 N. Valley Drive, have provided free access to recycling drop-offs at locations all around the city.
However, with trash being disposed in and around the blue recycling bins, steps will be taken to reduce contamination in the Las Cruces recycling stream. Currently, the blue bins will stay at East Picacho, and SCSWA hopes that any restrictions - fencing or restricted hours - don’t dampen enthusiasm for recycling.
“When elementary kids see that recycling is restricted due to just a few people throwing trash where it shouldn’t go, it damages the future of the program in Las Cruces,” said Peck. “The kids at East Picacho Elementary will someday be adult residents who understand that every effort at recycling could make a positive long-term difference.”
Green Connections is submitted by the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) managing solid waste, recyclables, and working to stop illegal dumping for residents and businesses throughout Doña Ana County. Contact the SCSWA at (575) 528-3800 or visit www.SCSWA.net.