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Las Cruces Recycling Rate Hike Takes Effect

Community recycling programs across the U.S. are scrambling to decrease contamination levels and thereby increase the quality of recyclable materials. New options are also being used to educate recyclers to reduce contaminants before blue bins reach the curb.

Patrick Peck, Director, South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA), explains, “The fee increase approved in March by the SCSWA Board has been postponed as long as possible, but we finally had to implement it on September 1st.”

The rate increase comes on the heels of sudden changes implemented by China on January 1st of this year, which included banning many lower quality plastics and paper, and rejecting shipments of recyclables due to heavy contamination.

“This is a direct result of global recycling market disruption caused by China’s import and environmental policies,” says Peck. “The fee increase will ensure that our recycling program, one of the best in the country, can be maintained and remain available in our community.”

The increase of $1.10 per month goes into effect September 1st and will be added to the current $5.40 monthly fee for curbside recycling. The fee increase is being spent on additional staffing at the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) of the contracted recycling processor for the SCSWA, to sort through and throw out contaminated products.

By the end of September, the SCSWA also launches a program to reduce contamination in curbside recycling bins in Las Cruces. “Tug, Tip, Turn & Tag” was developed by a national non-profit called The Recycling Partnership to alert customers when their recycling bin is full of contaminated products – either trash and food, or non-recyclable products.

About 30% of Las Cruces is being targeted in a hands-on effort to educate residents about what’s recyclable and what’s not. Inspectors will be checking bins to be sure everything is recyclable (check www. SCSWA.net if you are not sure), is clean and dry, and is not in plastic bags. Never bag recyclables; they should always be loose in the bin. Bins that don’t pass muster will be tagged with an “Oops!” tag and the recycling bin will not be emptied.

Coming up in October, you are invited to participate in two Recycling “Listening Sessions” hosted by the SCSWA. Presentations will look at possible future recycling scenarios for Las Cruces, questions will be answered, input from residents is encouraged, and surveys will be taken to help develop what recycling looks like in our community for the next 10 years.

LISTENING SESSIONS:

        Tuesday, October 9th at the DACC East Mesa Campus 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

        Thursday, October 11th at City Hall  5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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.