SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) The latest figures from the New Mexico Environment Department show the state's recycling rate has dropped slightly, but one group wants to change that. The statewide average recycling rate for 2012 stands at nearly 16 percent, or about 293,000 tons. That's less than the 21 percent recorded the previous year.
The numbers aren't out yet for 2013, but the New Mexico Recycling Coalition says it has set a goal of 35 percent by 2018. The coalition says diverting materials such as yard waste, tree trimmings and scrap metal is the secret to high rates in some New Mexico communities. The rate in Lincoln County, for example, is 57 percent.
Coalition Executive Director English Bird says Albuquerque's recently announced pay-as-you-throw program could lead to higher recycling rates. She says other cities are considering similar programs.
