Recycling Pays Off: Local Progress Reduces Waste And Saves Money

Recycling is one of the simplest and most effective ways a community can protect the environment while strengthening its local economy. By turning used materials into new products, it conserves natural resources, saves energy, reduces pollution, and keeps valuable materials out of landfills. It can also lower waste-disposal costs, support jobs, and help preserve a cleaner, healthier community for future generations—benefits reflected in the city’s latest recycling results.

At the last city commission meeting, Sanitation Supervisor Wes Myers provided the latest statistics on the community’s recycling efforts. In 2024, he said, the city sent 9,869 tons of waste to the landfill and collected 367 tons of recyclables. Recycling kept the equivalent of roughly 21 trailer loads out of the landfill and saved the city $22,445. In 2025, the city sent 9,106 tons to the landfill and collected 386 tons of recyclables, resulting in reported savings of $25,843. “That’s a 762-ton decrease in landfill waste from 2024 to 2025 and a 19-ton increase in recyclables,” he said. From January through August of this year, the city delivered 5,857 tons to the landfill at a cost of $68.53 per ton and collected 270 tons of recyclables. “So far, we’ve saved $18,561,” Myers said.

Summarizing the results, Myers said, “We’re seeing an increase in recycling and a decrease in waste being sent to the landfill. We’re projecting about 406 tons of recycling this year, 20 more than last year. We’re excited and very happy with that.”

Mayor Rolf Hechler said the “trends are going the right way with recycling.” He also noted that the cost of transporting refuse has increased each year. “I hope that people realize that sometimes we have to increase our fees because our operating costs go up,” he said.

The city Waste Collection Center is located at 601 Nadyne Court and is open for waste drop off Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, closed Sundays.

The Waste Collection Center offers a recycling drop-off service, but it accepts only certain materials, often including cardboard and metal cans. Plastics, glass, and mixed paper may not be accepted. Review the current guidelines at https://www.torcnm.gov/living-in-our-community/garbage-recycling-junk/ before bringing items.