News

If you’ve headed to the recycling yard at the Old Foothills Landfill (555 S. Sonoma Ranch Blvd.) for recycling disposal recently, you’re not alone. In fact, Las Crucens have been busy recycling over the last few weeks and packing the large blue roll-offs with corrugated cardboard, plastic water bottles, and aluminum and tin cans from all the holiday cooking. That’s great, but it’s critical that residents flatten their boxes. Otherwise boxes overflow the bins, and dramatically reduce space for others to recycle their corrugated cardboard. All of the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) recycling collection areas fill up fast, but the agency picks upRead More →

The east side recycling collection area adjacent to the Old Foothills Landfill, 555 Sonoma Ranch Blvd, will soon have a new look and new hours. Coming up next month, the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) will construct a fence around the Recycling Yard which will then be open only the same hours as the Landfill. “Unfortunately, this is a direct result of continued contamination and illegal dumping at the site,” explained Tarkeysha Burton, SCSWA Education and Outreach Coordinator. “For the last several years, many have used the recycling yard as an illegal dump site. Often, the material that’s being dumped also poses a healthRead More →

January is a time for resolutions, commitments, and forming better habits. This January, the Doña Ana County Illegal Dumping Partnership (IDP) encourages residents of Doña Ana County to make 2019 the ‘year of zero waste.’ “At the beginning of the year, we’re all focused on what we can do to improve our lives and our mindset, and this year, we encourage people to think bigger,” said Vicki Lusk, Manager of Doña Ana County Animal Control & Codes. “With a community and environmental focus, we can all start to make everyday changes that have large, positive effects. Whether you are able to commit to full-fledged zeroRead More →

The South Central Solid Waste Authority Board of Directors takes an end of the year photo to celebrate a turbulent year following the China ban of recycling imports. The Board’s steadfast belief in the sustainability of the Las Cruces recycling program has kept the city moving toward a greener future.Read More →

  With the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) hitting the streets to audit recycling bins, the crews see blue bins in front of virtually every home in Las Cruces. However, it’s become clear there are still a few hiccups in the recycling process. Some residents are not understanding that the blue bin is NOT a second trash can. “The crews have encountered a handful of carts where the resident is using the blue cart exclusively for trash,” said Tarkeysha Burton, SCSWA Education & Outreach Coordinator. In general, however, the most common wrong items being found in the blue carts are: plastic shopping bags food-soiledRead More →

With the holiday season in full swing, the Doña Ana County Illegal Dumping Partnership (IDP) encourages individuals and families to celebrate in a new way this year—by implementing zero waste habits into their celebrations. “The holiday season means more grocery shopping, more time in the kitchen, large gatherings, and lots of packaging on gift items,” said Vicki Lusk, Manager of Doña Ana County Animal Control & Codes. “This year, we’re asking community members to do their part to cut down on the waste produced during the holiday season. Small changes in everyday situations can help to create a large positive impact for the environment.” TheRead More →

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’sRead More →

The South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) alerts the community that spray paint vandalism of blue bins should be reported to the Las Cruces police department at (575) 526-0795 and press #6. “We are currently involved in a project to help educate our customers about what’s recyclable and what’s not,” explains Tarkeysha Burton, SCSWA Education and Outreach Coordinator. The SCSWA “Tug, Tip, Tag and Turn” program underway now and for the next few weeks involves recycling auditors who check the blue bins to see if the contents are acceptable recyclables. Even with this program, blue curbside bins will be serviced on their regular pickup day.Read More →