LAS CRUCES — “Managing trash is never free,” says SCSWA Director Patrick Peck. After years of absorbing the cost of handling trash generated by county residents, County Commissioners say they can’t afford it any more. Managing trash takes staff, huge trucks, trash bins, roll-off containers, transfer stations, and a landfill to protect everyone from groundwater contamination.
Commissioners recently announced trash fees at eight Community Collection Centers. The fees go into effect July 1st. Residents can still drop off RECYCLABLES, CLEAN GREEN WASTE, APPLIANCES FREE.
Garfield – 505 Nightwatchers Road Saturday and Sunday 7:30am – 5:30pm
La Union – 2590 Visnaga Street Saturday and Sunday 7:30am – 5:30pm
Hatch – 110 Cerrito Road Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday 7:30am – 5:30pm
Butterfield – 4925 Eason Lane Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday 7:30am – 5:30pm
Hill – 9293 Del Rey Blvd Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday 7:30am – 5:30pm
La Mesa – 1310 W. Afton Road Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday 7:30am – 5:30pm
Mesquite – 725 County Road B-059 Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday 7:30am – 5:30pm
Anthony – 2120 E. O’Hara Road Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday 7:30am – 5:30pm
Peck explains, “The fees are based on our tipping fee at the landfill (of just over $30 a ton for trash).” What it means for residents is:
1) Small truck of trash will cost $4
2) Pickup truck of trash will cost $8
3) Pickup with a trailer of trash will cost $12
The SCSWA operates the 8 Community Collection Centers, sited to be as convenient as possible to population bases in the County. “Managing trash is a critical issue for all of us. We are appreciative of everyone who uses the CCC’s; but the budget has caught up with us, and we cannot handle the garbage without charge any longer,” says Peck.
For the first 60 days (July 1 to August 31), the SCSWA will sell punch cards to residents at the Community Collection Centers. Citizens can buy punch cards in these amounts: $12, $24, or $48, and then every time they bring trash, their card will be punched until it’s used up. After that, the County will sell the punch cards at the County Government Center, Sheriff’s substations in the county, and at other locations.
For more information, please call the South Central Solid Waste Authority at (575) 528-3800.