Users are reminded to keep trash out of blue mixed recycle bins

Published on October 29, 2024

Los Alamos County Environmental Services is concerned by the recent increase in contamination in the blue mixed recycle bins available for public use at the Lemon Lot and the White Rock Convenience Center. It is important to avoid placing non-recyclable items in the blue bins or residential blue recycling roll carts because the contamination could result in the necessary landfilling of the load.

Mixed recycling means all accepted recyclables are collected together without separating by material type. It is also referred to as single-stream recycling, and it is easy and convenient, making it ideal for residential collection. Mixed recycling is sent to BARCo Recycling in Albuquerque, where the material is separated and baled before being made into new products. Hand, magnetic, and screen recyclables are separated and baled by individual recycling types, then sold on the market and made into new products.

Contamination can occur when:

-      Non-recyclable materials are put in the recycling bin (extra trash)

-      Recyclable materials are not prepared properly (boxes with packing peanuts and stereochrome wrap/blocks)

-      Materials contain excessive food or liquid 

-      Any bagged recyclables in a clear or colored plastic bag will not be opened and sorted for what has been put in them for recycling; they will be categorized as bagged trash.

When a recycling bin is contaminated with trash, the contaminated items are usually disposed of instead of recycled. This can lead to several negative consequences, including: 

-      Increased recycling rates: Contamination can cause materials that would otherwise be recycled to be landfilled. 

-      Degraded material values: Contamination can lower the quality of recyclables, making them less valuable and unmarketable. 

-      Increased disposal costs: Contaminated bins may not be collected because hauling them to the landfill can increase disposal costs. 

-      Hazardous chemicals: Contaminated recycled plastics can contain dangerous chemicals, such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial compounds. 

Before bringing your recyclables to the blue mixed recycle bins or putting them in your own recycle roll-carts, take a few minutes to prepare them. Lightly rinse the material to ensure no food or other contaminants are present. If the container contains difficult food to remove, like peanut butter, you must thoroughly clean it before placing it in the recycling. 

Visit the Environmental Services Recycle website to view what items can and cannot be added to the blue mixed recycling bins. For more information about recycling responsibly, check out the Recycle Coach app! For additional questions, call 505-662-8163 or email solidwaste@lacnm.us.