The National Recycling Coalition (NRC) has announced its 2017 award winners, and the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) was honored with the nation-wide recognition of “Outstanding Community or Government Program.”
The SCSWA was recognized for a remarkable history of successes: In 2009 the city/county agency launched one of the state’s first large-scale curbside recycling programs, and since then has set a strong example for recycling excellence in New Mexico.
The Authority continues the trend by implementing new programs, adding services, educating residents, focusing on schools and being willing to serve as a leader and role-model in the state.
Additional accomplishments include a sustainable glass recycling program in a state that has few existing markets for glass. Since April of the SCSWA has diverted over 600 tons of glass bottles and jars from the waste stream and created a product that is beneficially used by the community, as well as providing raw materials for a local sand-blasting small business.
The Authority has launched a community tire shredding program that diverted over 60,000 lbs. of shredded tires from the waste stream to the Doña Ana County International Jetport for beneficial use on their airfield. Additionally, the SCSWA hosts more than 50 community litter clean ups each year and has expanded their school program to include all 3 school districts in Doña Ana County and has diverted more than 40,400 tons of household recyclables since 2011.
NRC’s Awards Committee Chair Lisa Skumatz praised the SCSWA by saying, “[They are] truly making the best out of the challenging distance, density, and market conditions in New Mexico and other regions in the US. The SCSWA has been able to start cultivating a recycling culture in the area and achieve some positive results for their various member communities.”