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Santa Fe County approves pilot to reopen El Dorado reuse center after volunteer plan
Summary
Following public comment from community volunteers and a petition of more than 1,000 supporters, the commission approved a pilot reopening of the El Dorado reuse center with county oversight, hygiene protocols and a short trial period to collect diversion and safety metrics.
Santa Fe County commissioners on Aug. 11 approved a resolution to pilot reopening the El Dorado Reuse Center at the county convenience center after hearing sustained public comment and a staff presentation. Residents and volunteers described an operations manual and volunteer protocols intended to prevent the health problems that led to the site's closure last year.
Pat Bellart, chair of El Dorado 285 Recycles, told commissioners that "More than 1000 residents have signed our petition to reopen the center." Commissioners asked staff to track diversion metrics, health and sanitation, and to propose a modest county‑built road and parking improvements to reduce congestion at the transfer station. The resolution authorizes a trial period and directs staff to evaluate operations and consider alternatives (including enclosed structures) if health issues persist.
Why it matters: the reuse center diverts items from the landfill, supports volunteer engagement and supplies reusable goods to households; staff said the pilot will help quantify diversion and guide possible phase‑2 improvements.
