Single Stream Recycling

Feb 2nd, 2010 By: Scott Krahling
Topics: County Government

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SINGLE STREAM RECYCLING Comes to Las Cruces and Dona Ana County

Las Cruces and Dona Ana County are moving forward quickly with recycling improvements and expansions, evidenced this month by the signing of a five-year single stream recycling contract between the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) and Friedman Recycling in Northeast El Paso.

"We've made enormous recycling strides in the past year throughout our community, but this is a milestone - it's the biggest thing that's happened in recycling in Las Cruces in 15 years!" says Patrick Peck, Director of the South Central Solid Waste Authority.

"Single stream recycling means residents don't have to separate cardboard from plastics from metals, anymore! Single stream makes it much easier: you mix all your recyclables together and put them in the bin. The separating is done at the plant.

"We are moving quickly toward curbside recycling, but are still in the drop-off phase of recycling, with bright blue recycling bins available to the community: SIX Commercial locations in Las Cruces , THIRTEEN Schools , EIGHT Community Collection Centers throughout the County, and FIVE State Parks ."

All recycling bins are in the process of being retrofitted, with larger openings to accommodate the mixed - or single stream - recyclables. But residents can start single stream recycling NOW. Peck adds, "We are sending FIFTY tons of recyclables a week from Las Cruces and Dona Ana County to Friedman Recycling, and that's before we've really geared up."

WHAT'S RECYCLABLE: Aluminum and tin cans, cardboard, newspapers, office paper and mixed papers, junk mail and magazines, catalogues and phonebooks, #1 and #2 plastics (milk jugs, detergent bottles, soda and water plastic bottles).

NEW STICKERS reflecting Single Stream Recycling

Will be fixed to recycling bins at Sam's Club

2711 N. Telshor (by the gas pumps)

Tuesday, February 2nd @ 10 a.m.

For more information or other recycling questions, please call the South Central Solid Waste Authority at (575) 528-3800.