USDA State Director Terry Brunner said the $30,000 grant awarded to the New Mexico Recycling Coalition will fund the expansion of recycling efforts in rural New Mexico.
Targeted communities include Deming, as well as Alamogordo, Angel Fire, Catron County, Gallup, Grants, Las Vegas, Raton, Roswell, Ruidoso, Silver City, Taos, Truth or Consequences and Tucumcari. These communities reportedly were selected based on the success of current recycling programs, and the potential for the area to grow and expand recycling businesses.
The funding is designed to develop small-scale recycling businesses as well as pay for technical assistance to business owners who are in the process of launching their recycling businesses. Examples of small-scale business models include taking mattresses and turning them into dog beds, providing recycling collection services to businesses and households, or taking glass and creating recycled-content countertops, tile, or art pieces.