No Annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event

For the past 10 years the Santa Fe Solid Waste Management Agency, City of Santa Fe, Santa Fe County and Keep Santa Fe Beautiful have sponsored annual household hazardous waste (HHW) collection events at the Buckman Road Recycling and Transfer Station (BuRRT). This year, however, because of budget constraints and economic downturn, there will not be an annual event. In addition, the construction schedule for the much anticipated new permanent Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection facility at BuRRT is delayed until Spring 2011 when funding is secured.

The library published a blog last year about recycling all things. There are a lot of useful links there about where and how to dispose of trash or well-used items. Also, the City has a handy guide to curbside recycling. For items deemed hazardous, the following information is also helpful:

• In past years, one of the most significant materials brought to the HHW events was latex paint. Contrary to popular belief, dried latex paint is not a hazardous waste material and it can be solidified by mixing sand and kitty litter in the can and letting it dry. It can then be placed with regular household trash.
  
• The second largest material in volume at HHW events was used motor oil. Used motor oil may be taken to local businesses in the city and county year-round such as Auto Zone, Pep Boys and Jiffy Lube at no charge. You can also call the city or county for a list of locations.
  
• Residents can check with participating retailers that accept old cell phones and rechargeable batteries. Car batteries can be taken to a local scrap yard or BuRRT.
  
• The agency recommends that pesticides be completely used before disposing of empty containers. If the materials cannot be used, the residents should check with neighbors to see if someone can use them.

The Santa Fe Solid Waste Management Agency accepts electronic waste (computers, CPU’s, monitors, keyboards, mice, and peripherals) and fluorescent bulbs year around at BuRRT for a small fee. Keep Santa Fe Beautiful has plans to hold an Electronic Waste Drop-Off Day on March 20 and August 20 to take used computers, computer peripherals, electronic equipment, cell phones and televisions. There will be a $5 charge for each television.

Residents can bring recyclables to BuRRT at no charge. Recyclables include plastic bottles with #1 and #2 coded inside the recycling chasing arrows (soda bottles, laundry soap bottles, and milk jugs), corrugated cardboard, newspapers, junk mail, magazines, office paper, aluminum cans, steel cans, and glass bottles. Residents can also take recyclables to one of the county’s transfer stations at no charge. Residents living inside the city limits are encouraged to participate in the city’s curbside recycling program.

BuRRT is located at 2600 Buckman Road, which is adjacent to the old city landfill. BuRRT is open 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Driving directions to BuRRT can be found here.

For more information:
Santa Fe Solid Waste Management Agency: 820-0208 or 424-1850 and press 0.
City of Santa Fe Solid Waste: 955-2200
Santa Fe County Solid Waste: 992-3025
Keep Santa Fe Beautiful: 955-2215