County Recycling Audit Shows Strong Results for Los Alamos

Los Alamos County achieved positive results in a recent recycling audit, county officials reported, reinforcing local efforts to reduce waste and keep recyclable material in circulation. On October 17 two trailers carrying 23.33 tons of the county's recyclables were audited at BarCO Recycling in Albuquerque to assess how adept residents and businesses are at sorting and preparing material for processing.

The audit found that the community overall performed well, a finding county Environmental Services Manager Armando Gabaldon shared on December 4. The outcome highlights the effectiveness of the County's ongoing education programs about proper recycling practices and waste reduction. For a municipality that routes material to regional processors, clear sorting at the source reduces contamination, helps maintain marketable recycling streams, and supports the operational efficiency of recycling facilities.

For local residents and businesses the audit offers practical reassurance. Better sorted loads mean fewer rejected shipments and lower processing costs that can otherwise be passed along to municipalities and ratepayers. Effective household and commercial sorting also strengthens ties between Los Alamos and the regional recycling infrastructure in Albuquerque and beyond, preserving the value of materials that reenter manufacturing supply chains domestically and internationally.

The audit underscores the role of public information campaigns in improving participation and results. Continued emphasis on proper preparation of recyclables will be important as global recycling markets remain sensitive to contamination rates and material quality. Local businesses that produce steady volumes of cardboard, paper, glass, and plastic can contribute to those quality standards by following county guidelines.

Residents and businesses seeking guidance on proper recycling practices are encouraged to contact Los Alamos County Environmental Services for information and assistance. Clear sorting, timely participation in county programs, and attention to educational materials will help keep recyclable materials out of the waste stream and support the county's broader sustainability goals.