ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Bernalillo County has been awarded a $100,000 Recycling and Illegal Dumping (RAID) grant from the New Mexico Environment Department to expand efforts aimed at reducing illegal tire dumping and increasing recycling education throughout the community.
County officials say the funding will support public outreach campaigns focused on proper tire disposal, recycling awareness, and existing regulations involving single-use plastic bags and polystyrene food containers.
The grant will allow Bernalillo County Planning and Development Services to increase engagement with residents and businesses through community events, educational materials, and public-information campaigns. Officials hope the effort will help reduce the number of illegally discarded tires and improve understanding of environmentally responsible disposal practices.
One of the county’s ongoing programs, Tire Amnesty Day, will continue to play a key role in those efforts. The events are held throughout the year at locations across Bernalillo County and allow residents to dispose of up to nine passenger vehicle or light truck tires free of charge.
County officials say the outreach campaign will also remind businesses in unincorporated Bernalillo County about regulations that prohibit the use of single-use plastic carryout bags and single-use polystyrene food-service containers. Retailers are encouraged to use reusable, recyclable, compostable, or paper alternatives.
The funding comes through the state’s RAID program, which supports local efforts to reduce illegal dumping, promote recycling, and improve environmental stewardship.
Officials say the goal is to increase awareness of available disposal and recycling programs while reducing the environmental impacts associated with improperly discarded tires and other waste materials.
