Know What to Throw New Mexico

Las Cruces, NM – April 8, 2020 – The Rio Grande Recycling Corridor—a group comprised of recycling and solid waste agencies from Las Cruces to Santa Fe—has launched a multi-faceted public education campaign to teach New Mexicans what and how to recycle. As part of the Know What to Throw New Mexico campaign, the group released their version of “mythbusters” to dispel recycling myths and educate New Mexicans.

“When done right, recycling helps to clean up our environment,” said Patrick Peck, Director of South Central Solid Waste Authority. “But the success of any given recycling program is dependent on community members to follow the guidelines and recycle right. In order to educate New Mexicans, we’re working to set the record straight on some of the most common recycling misconceptions in the communities we serve.”

Common myths and the truths about recycling:

Myth:  All plastic, metal and paper items are recyclable.

Fact:  Some areas don’t accept plastics, and some don’t accept metal or paper. To know what is acceptable in your area, the group has created an interactive map of the state of New Mexico with local information for each county at recyclenewmexico.com/know-what-to-throw. Plastic bags and wrap are not allowed in recycle bins anywhere in New Mexico, and not all plastics meet the recycling guidelines. Similarly, metal and paper items must be free from food waste and liquids.

Myth: Recyclables end up in the landfill.

Fact: Recyclable materials get recycled in New Mexico. However, if the load is highly contaminated with food waste or trash, it may become impossible to sort out the valuable material and the whole load could become contaminated and end up in the trash. If you’ve seen a garbage truck pick up your recycling, don’t worry. Some communities use the same trucks for all collection, but sort it later. If your recycling bin contains recyclables that are clean, dry, loose (not bagged) and accepted in your community, they will be recycled.

Myth: I have to thoroughly wash my recyclables, and this wastes water.

Fact: Simply give recyclables a quick rinse to remove food residue. For messy containers with a lot of food residue (like peanut butter or mayonnaise jars), let them soak in your dirty dish water to remove food waste. 

Myth: Recycling is hard to do.

Fact: Recycling is as easy as throwing away your garbage. Know what to throw and what to recycle. To make it simple, put a recycling can next to your trash can so you have a visual reminder, and if you need tips, printable fliers, or easy guidelines, visit recyclenewmexico.com/know-what-to-throw.

Myth: Compostable items are recyclable.

Fact: There is a big difference between compostable and recyclable. Food waste is never allowed in recycle bins, and compostable materials are not recyclable. Check local guidelines using the easy, interactive map at recyclenewmexico.com/know-what-to-throw for recyclable materials in different areas of the state.

Myth: If it has recycling arrows on it, it can go in my recycle bin.

Fact: Just because something has the recycling arrows on it does not mean it is recyclable.  The arrows on a plastic container tell you what type of plastic the item is made from—not if it’s recyclable. For communities that accept plastics, most allow bottles and beverage containers, but be sure to check with your local facilities, and remember to reuse plastic bags or take them to a grocery store recycling program.

“Recycling the right way is easy once you know the rules,” added Sarah Pierpont, Executive Director of the New Mexico Recycling Coalition. “We encourage everyone to visit our website, find information specific to their area, and do their part to recycle right.”

For more information and resources, visit https://www.recyclenewmexico.com/know-what-to-throw/.  

About Rio Grande Recycling Corridor:  Comprised of members for South Central Solid Waste Authority, The New Mexico Recycling Coalition, City of Albuquerque, City of Santa Fe, Santa Fe Solid Waste Management Agency, and Santa Fe County, the Rio Grande Recycling Corridor is a coalition formed to educate the public on the importance of recycling and how to recycle right.