COUNTY News:
Over the past few months commercial recycling in Los Alamos County has seen a significant expansion.
More than 10 local businesses and churches have signed on to the County recycling program. This increase corresponds with concerted efforts by the Environmental Sustainability Board and County staff to reduce waste and increase recycling in the community. These efforts included a significant reduction in commercial recycling fees in August 2012, and focused on education and outreach to local businesses.
“It is great to see that the actions taken by staff and the Board has been successful in increasing the number of businesses recycling in Los Alamos County,” said Los Alamos County Environmental Sustainability Board Chair Stephen Tenbrink. He added, “We encourage those business that are not currently recycling to start today, and we encourage citizens to ask the businesses they frequent to consider recycling if they currently are not. Call 505-662-8383 to sign up today!”
The addition of more than 10 new commercial entities to the County recycling program will increase the current business recycling rate in Los Alamos, which is estimated to be around 12 percent. “Having these businesses participating in the County recycling program will help increase our recycling tonnage, and also help decrease the amount of solid waste we have to send off the hill for disposal,” Environmental Services Superintendent Leroy Chacon said.
The following businesses implemented recycling programs in the past few months:
- Holiday Inn Express
- VFW
- Hilltop Shopping Center, including KRSN, Film Festival, Bob’s Bodacious Barbeque, Café Sushi, Papa Murphy’s and other local businesses
- Trinity Professional Plaza, including D & P Lock Service, A.D.A.P.T. and Recover, Care First LLC, BRIDGE Care for Women and other local businesses
- McDonalds
- Unitarian Church
- Iris Street Condos
Along with increasing the number of businesses who are recycling, the County is focused on raising awareness of the businesses in town that are doing their part to reduce waste generation through the implementation of recycling programs. As part of a statewide campaign by the New Mexico Recycling Coalition to increase commercial recycling, the County has received window decals for businesses that are recycling.
The County is currently distributing decals to these businesses so they can promote themselves as recyclers. If you are a local business that is currently recycling and have yet to receive a window decal please contact the Environmental Services Division at 505-662-8383.
The Environmental Sustainability Board serves as an advisory body to the County Council on environmental sustainability issues. The Board is made up of local Los Alamos citizens who work closely with Environmental Services staff to promote and advance sustainability in the community. More information on the Board, including how to apply, can be found at www.losalamosnm.us/gov/bcc/esb.
Thank you to these new recyclers and all those businesses in Los Alamos County who recycle, your efforts go a long way in creating a stronger, healthier and more sustainable community!
