Up and running a little over a year, the Chaparral Collection and Recycling Center celebrated American Recycles Day on Saturday, November 18th with an Open House and free trash disposal for residents. Not only did Chaparral residents have a chance to grab a donut and peek inside garbage trucks, but also to dispose of their waste absolutely free.
“This event is a chance to give back to the community and show them what we offer,” explained Rafael Leos, the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) deputy director. Leos said that the staff at the transfer station is fully committed to making the connection to community a long-term success.
The Center at 180 McCombs Road is open seven days a week - from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. However, in honor of America Recycles Day, the special event also gave Charaparral residents a “break”, in the form of amnesty from residential solid waste disposal fees. Residents responded by bringing in extra tons of solid waste. At the end of the day Leos had final numbers: 128 residents came through with trips to dispose of 39.5 tons of solid waste – about 3 times the amount brought in by residents on the average day at the new facility.
After their third trip to the facility, Chaparral residents Bill Finney and his wife Debbie browsed the SCSWA tents set up with free pastries and beverages. “This has been a great opportunity for us to come out and clean up around our house,” said Bill, who speculated that he saved roughly $40 in fees. “We’re grateful for the SCSWA reaching out to let people come and dispose of their waste for free.”
Residents normally pay $5 plus tax to bring in up to 200 pounds of household trash, and trash is also accepted from commercial haulers. Not just trash, but the center takes in recycling at no charge, and yard waste (or “green waste”) like tree and grass clippings. That will be then be made into mulch at the center and given back to those in the community free of charge for dust and weed control.
“We hope to be a model of what the future looks like for trash disposal throughout Doña Ana County,” said Leos. “But it’s a partnership between the community and the center to make it work – and Chaparral has stepped up in the best way possibe to be that partner.”
Green Connections is submitted by the SCSWA - managing solid waste, recyclables, and working to stop illegal dumping for residents and businesses throughout Doña Ana County. Contact the SCSWA at (575) 528-3800