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RURAL
RECYCLING
AND
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
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Many people throughout New
Mexico still use open burning as their primary waste
disposal method. Backyard trash burning has very
serious health effects to
people and the environment, in June 2004 it will be banned in NM.
The NMRC has developed the following web page to help
communities and individuals find alternatives to open burning. |
The New Mexico Environment Improvement Board adopted
new restrictions on most forms of open burning in the state in
January 2004. For details on the new regulations visit the
state's web page at: http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/aqb/projects/openburn/openburning_index.html
Options
for Communities
Community
solid waste decision makers can give residents alternatives to
backyard burning:
Provide an accessible transfer station, convenience center, or drop-off box
Provide curbside pickup for residents
Develop a recycling program
Additional Tips for Communities
- Begin a telephone line with recorded information on where and when to safely dispose of trash.
- Post transfer station or landfill hours of operation in public areas, such as the post office, grocery store, and local newspaper.
- Begin a burn barrel return program through which residents receive money, trash bags, or a composting bin in exchange for their burn barrels.
- Create public service announcements explaining the danger of backyard burning and providing alternatives.
- Schedule regular cleanup days during which waste disposal is free to all residents.
Visit the EPA website for an extensive list of resources
and information: http://www.epa.gov/msw/backyard/altern.htm
Options
for Individuals
There
are many options besides open burning for individuals:
Safe Disposal
Have your waste picked up by a licensed waste removal company or take it to a local landfill, transfer station, or a drop-off center. Contact your local environmental or waste management department to find a hauler or landfill.
"Precycle"
Think before purchasing. Buy recyclable and reusable products rather than those that will need to be thrown out.
Reduce
Avoid disposable items. Buy in bulk or economy size. Buy products that can be reused or refilled. Reduce unwanted mail by instructing companies you do business with to not sell or give away your name and address. Write to Mail Preference Service, c/o Direct Mail Marketing Association, P.O. Box 9008, Farmingdale, New York 11735 or call 212 768-7277 to be removed from national mailing lists.
Reuse
Donate unwanted clothing, furniture, and toys to friends and charities. Give unwanted magazines and books to hospitals and nursing homes. Reuse lumber and other construction supplies.
Recycle
Separate recyclables from your waste and drop them off at a local recycling center.
Compost
Yard clippings, leaves, and food can be easily composted in your backyard. Or compost indoors with worms
(vermicomposting)! Click
here for a pamphlet on how to compost in New Meixco.
Mulch
Chip brush and wood to make mulch or decorative landscape material.
Become an pro-active consumer
Write to manufacturers and mail order companies and tell them they have lost your business due to their excess packaging or non recyclable/reusable materials.
To learn more about recycling, visit EPA's
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Web site.
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