New Mexico Passes Tire Recycling Bill

The New Mexico State Senate has passed Senate Bill 142 that addresses the issue of tire recycling. The bill was sponsored by State Senator Dede Feldman (D-13)

The Senate voted on March 16, by a vote of 60-0, on the bill that would provide the following:

Expand the state’s tire recycling program, providing prohibitions; providing for inspections of premises; providing for compliance orders and field citations; creating the recycling and illegal dumping alliance; amending repealing and enacting sections of previous legislation; and making an appropriation.

The bill is now waiting on Governor Bill Richardson’s signature.

The purposes of the Recycling and Illegal Dumping Act are to:

protect the health and welfare of current and future residents of New Mexico by providing for the prevention and abatement of illegal dumpsites;

promote environmentally sound methods for reuse and recycling;

create a statewide recycling alliance involving the cooperation of cities, counties, state agencies, tribal governments, land grant communities and private business to encourage economic development, community development and collaboration that foster sustainable use of resources, increased recycling and a cleaner and healthier environment; and

enhance and coordinate existing highway litter control and removal and recycling efforts that include the recycling of tires, glass, plastic, metal, paper products, electronic waste and construction and demolition materials.