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Continue To Recycle In Las Cruces

  “As we slog our way through the current recycling upset, we remind everyone FOR NOW to please continue recycling as you always have,” says Patrick Peck, South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) Director. “Friedman Recycling - the only recycling processor in our region- is pulling out the items from their conveyor belts that are no longer recyclable, to meet new guidelines in China.”

New regional developments include: the Cities of Santa Fe and Albuquerque, as well as Durango, Colorado, have negotiated new amended contracts with Friedman Recycling to manage recyclables, based upon what China will now accept. China had become the largest global recipient of recyclables by the end of 2017.

The City of El Paso is in active discussions with Friedman Recycling to hammer out how to move forward, and how much curbside recycling will cost customers. Las Cruces and Doña Ana County are tied into Friedman Recycling in El Paso for the next 18 months, due to existing contracts.

Six weeks ago, Peck noted: “In the current scenario, it makes good sense to shift and work with domestic recycling markets; it’s cheaper than shipping materials across the globe, reduces our carbon footprint, and develops regional jobs.” But now domestic markets and mills are flooded with recyclable materials and are no longer accepting materials.

At the same time, nations like Brazil, India, and other world markets are gearing up to open their ports to recyclable materials.

The global recycling industry is struggling to make changes to accommodate China’s overnight rejection of more than 20 types of recyclables. The changes went into effect January 1, 2018; Chinese ports continue to turn away ships filled with recyclable goods because of high contamination (food waste or non-recyclable materials).

RECYCLING LISTENING SESSIONS: In August, the SCSWA is planning Recycling Listening Sessions in Las Cruces. “We will design a new recycling program that works for our community for the next decade. Public input starts the process; we want to know what works and doesn’t work for our residents, and hear their ideas for a new recycling model. We will compile the information from the Listening Sessions and figure out how to move forward.”

The schedule for the Recycling Listening Sessions will be published in early July. “Our Las Cruces recycling program is evolving in a way we could not have anticipated 6 months ago,” explains Peck, “For now, please continue recycling as you have for the past 7 years.”

Submitted by SCSWA

The South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) supports all sound environmental efforts and manages solid waste and recyclables for residents and businesses throughout Doña Ana County. Contact the SCSWA at (575) 528-3800 or visit www.SCSWA.net.