City to inspect recycling bins for contamination

Cassie McClure and Suzanne Michaels | For the Sun-News

LAS CRUCES - “The top three types of contamination we see in blue recycling bins in Las Cruces are 1) recyclables in bags, 2) “tanglers” like garden hoses, wire extension cords, and 3) Styrofoam,” said Tarkeysha Burton, recycling coordinator for the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA). “If we could get residents to stop bagging their recyclables, that would be a great step forward – recyclables must be loose in the bin, so we can see what’s there.”

So, starting in September, inspectors will begin looking into recycling bins in about 30% of the city to try to educate residents about what’s recyclable and what’s not. Bins that don’t pass muster will be tagged with an “Oops” and the bin will not be emptied.

It’s the “Tug, Tip, Tag, and Turn” program developed by The Recycling Partnership, a national non-profit that works with cities and towns across the country to try to transform recycling.

Recycling contamination includes food and trash going into recycling bins, along with a wide array of items that are not recyclable, including plastic bags.

“To know if something is recyclable, all you have to do is look at the big label on top of the blue bin lid, and only recycle the items shown there,” Burton said.

Some residents are using the blue bin as a second trash can; some put their green waste in the blue can, instead of leaving it curbside in a clear plastic bag. Some still think used, greasy food-stained paper plates and even used diapers are recyclable. They are not!

China continues to reject shipments of contaminated recyclables – and, in fact, is now making moves to ban all material. Regional recyclers in the U.S. are flooded with materials, while some U.S. cities and towns are trying their best to reduce contamination in recyclables collected from residents and businesses.

In El Paso, the city’s Environmental Services Department has already implemented the “tagging and tipping” effort as a pilot program to educate recycling customers. The goal: greatly reducing contamination in blue curbside bins.

It works like this: An inspector gives the bin a quick tug, and then tips open the lid to see if there is anything amiss. The inspectors look for things like bagged recyclables, plastic bags, yard waste, food or liquids and “tanglers” that can mess up recycling equipment at the Friedman plant: things like hoses, wires, chains, and extension cords.

If anything is found amiss by the inspectors, the bin is turned around so it will not be picked up by the recycling truck. The inspectors leave an “Oops!” tag and circle the reason why the city didn’t pick up the bin so residents to know what to leave out in the future.

Two Recycling “Listening Sessions” hosted by the SCSWA have been scheduled, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at the DACC East Mesa Campus and the same time Oct. 11 at City Hall. Presentations will look at possible future recycling scenarios for Las Cruces; questions will be answered, input is encouraged, and surveys will be taken to help develop what recycling looks like for the next 10 years in our community.

Green Connections is submitted by the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) managing solid waste and recyclables for residents and businesses throughout Doña Ana County. Contact the SCSWA at (575) 528-3800 or visit www.SCSWA.net.