Recycling, at its heart, is a measure of collaboration between residents, their community, their state, and the country. Earlier this year, the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) teamed regionally with communities within New Mexico and Texas via the Rio Grande Recycling Corridor (RGRC). Now the RGRC has won recognition from the State of Texas Alliance for Recycling (STAR) for its efforts.
“This is the first time a New Mexico entity has won a recycling award from another state,” said Sarah Pierpont, executive director of the New Mexico Recycling Coalition.
“It is a sign of the times – collaboration through partnerships is paramount in order to build regional recycling markets, improve the quality of materials and reduce contamination.”
“This is a regional recycling effort. Borders shouldn’t stop us from working together,” said Patrick Peck, SCSWA director. “It takes everyone doing their part to make sure that recycling stays alive during a time where nations across the world are looking to figure out how to sustain and grow their recycling programs.”
The Las Cruces-based SCSWA partnered with cities up and down the Rio Grande, from Santa Fe to Albuquerque to El Paso, Texas, to empower the recycling efforts of all involved. The State of Texas Alliance for Recycling (STAR) is a 501c3 recycling organization whose mission is to advance recycling through partnerships, education, and advocacy for the benefit of Texas.
Pierpont continued, “The Coalition is very proud of the Rio Grande Recycling Corridor and its proactive efforts to work across state lines. Working with our neighbors and sharing ideas and best practices is just one way in which we can all focus on recycling right.”
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.