Upon the closure of essential businesses and the restrictions of mass gatherings, recycling, green waste, and transfer stations in Las Cruces and Dona Ana County experienced a significant increase in business which caused crowding and gathering at our facilities. To sustain long-term availability of our solid waste management services and protect our staff and the members of the public, the decision to close recycling and yard waste disposal to the general public ties directly to the Governor’s stay at home directive.
- March 23rd NM Department of Health issued a Public Health Emergency Order
- Part of that ordered advised: “New Mexico citizens should stay at home and undertake only those outings absolutely necessary for their health, safety, or welfare.”
- Further statements made by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham: “The only way for us to stop the spread of this virus is for New Mexicans to stop interacting with each other. New Mexicans must be crystal-clear on this point: Right now, every time you leave your house, you are putting yourself, your family and your community at risk. Only by distancing from one another, by remaining home except for essential or emergency travel, can we limit the spread of this virus to the point that it does not overwhelm New Mexico.”
- The decision to limit accessibility to the general public for recycling and yard waste disposal was in the best interest of the community as a whole. We do not feel that these services are necessary for the community’s health, safety, or welfare and individuals should stay at home, rather than trying to dispose of these items at this time.
- March 31st – Covid 19 cases: 18 in DAC; 315 in NM – that we know of
- The intent of the Governor’s order, people not working, businesses closed, is so people will stay at home. Limiting access to these services is an attempt to keep people at home and not out in the community where other members of the public and City staff are exposed to the threat of this virus.
Options that are available in lieu of these service centers are:
- If you are a city residential solid waste customer – leave your green waste items out for the Green Grappler on your scheduled pick-up day
- Place your recyclables in your blue bin for your scheduled pick-up day
- Las Cruces Public Schools Recycling Bins are still currently serviced on a weekly basis (no glass)
- County Collection Centers are still accepting recycling materials (no glass) during these hours:
- Hold on to your items for a little while until services return to normal schedules/accessibility
The South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) can be reached at (575) 528-3800 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The SCSWA manages solid waste and recyclables for residents and businesses throughout Doña Ana County.
Las Cruces Utilities can be reached at 575-528-3500 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Las Cruces Utilities provides services to approximately 100,000 Las Cruces residents and businesses.