RGRC NEWS

The Rio Grande Recycling Corridor—a group comprised of recycling and solid waste agencies from Las Cruces to Santa Fe—has launched a statewide recycling education campaign geared to teach New Mexicans how to recycle right.

“There are many misconceptions about what can and can’t be recycled, and there is a view that it is difficult,” said Patrick Peck, Director of South Central Solid Waste Authority. “Our goal is to set the record straight. Recycling right is simple, and with a few easy tips, every New Mexican can ensure they’re doing their part to recycle the right materials.”

The “Know What to Throw New Mexico” campaign aims to combat the most pressing issues found across the state, including eliminating food waste and plastic bags in blue bins. In order to recycle properly, New Mexicans should adhere to a few basic rules.

Empty, clean and dry items get recycled. Food residue and liquids should be rinsed from containers before recycling. Dirty materials are not recyclable and will create costly errors in the process.

Loose items get recycled. Plastic bags and plastic wrap are never allowed in the blue recycle bins. Items should be loose and never bagged. Additionally, people should avoid putting cords or wrappables in their bins as these items are considered tanglers and inhibit the sorting machinery.

Know what to throw for your area. While many areas allow for paper, plastics, and certain metals to be recycled, each city or county has specific guidelines. Visit RecycleNewMexico.com for details specific to each area of the state.

“As important as it is for people to recycle, it’s even more important for them to recycle right,” added Sarah Pierpont, Executive Director of the New Mexico Recycling Coalition. “It’s our hope that, through this campaign, New Mexicans will not only be educated, but also inspired to do what they can for their environment and their communities.”

For more information and resources, visit RecycleNewMexico.com.

 About Rio Grande Recycling Corridor:  Comprised of members for South Central Solid Waste Authority, The New Mexico Recycling Coalition, City of Albuquerque, City of Santa Fe, Santa Fe Solid Waste Management Agency, and Santa Fe County, the Rio Grande Recycling Corridor is a coalition aimed to educate members of the public on the importance of recycling and the proper ways to recycle right.