By Rodd Cayton — Wanna help build New Mexico’s largest compost pile? A new multi-jurisdictional initiative may make that happen. Bernalillo County Public Works and District 5 Commissioner Eric Olivas are partnering with the Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District to provide free organic waste disposal at the East Mountain Transfer Station.
Starting Nov. 1, the public can bring leaves, dead branches, brush and other organic yard debris to the transfer station, at 711 State Route 333 in Tijeras. County officials say clearing green waste from yards, roofs, and gutters can reduce wildfire risks.
The event typically lasts for two weeks, a county news release meeting states, but due to additional funding and the great need to thin fuel wood in the East Mountains the free drop-off period is six weeks this year, ending on Dec. 15.
There are some rules, however: all vehicles must check in prior to dumping or recycling, and every load must be covered. Uncovered loads could result in a fee. The transfer station is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., but green waste loads must physically be in the yard by 5 p.m.