Waste management faces crisis as recycling costs soar

In a recent government meeting, Dan Darnell, manager of municipal franchise contracts in New Mexico, presented an extensive overview of the city's waste management and recycling processes, highlighting significant changes and challenges faced since the inception of the current contract in January 2018.

Darnell explained the rationale behind the shift from weekly to bi-weekly recycling collections, a decision made to mitigate rising processing costs attributed to increased contamination rates in recycling streams. He emphasized the importance of conducting audits to assess contamination levels, which can significantly impact operational costs. Currently, the city utilizes the Barco material recovery facility (MRF) for processing recyclables, where contamination has been reported to be as high as 30-35%.

The presentation also addressed the broader context of recycling markets, particularly the impact of China's 2018 \"China Sword\" policy, which halted the import of foreign recyclables. This policy shift led to a dramatic increase in processing fees, from $15 to $125 per ton, placing additional financial strain on local waste management operations.

Darnell announced plans for a new MRF, set to open in October 2026, which promises advanced technology and improved auditing capabilities to better manage contamination rates. This facility aims to reduce costs and enhance recycling efficiency for the city.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the financial implications of these changes, including a proposed one-time payment of approximately $352,000 to cover increased processing costs incurred in 2023 and anticipated costs for 2024. To address these expenses, Darnell suggested a potential rate increase of 75 cents per month for residents, which would adjust the processing fee from 34 cents to $1.09 per home.

The council is expected to deliberate on these proposals, weighing the financial burden on residents against the need for sustainable waste management practices.