Conservation of natural resources and attitudinal changes in our consumption habits may be our most difficult educational goal. It is essential to heighten public awareness regarding our consumption habits. Compost Soils Amendment Facility photo by Solid Waste Dept. Thus Public Works opened a pilot composting facility not far from the Cerro Colorado Landfill in southwest Albuquerque early in 1992. By June of that year, an interdepartmental program for composting green waste was in the works.
Green waste is added to biosolids from the wastewater treatment facility.
The program included the departments of Solid Waste Management and Public Works and Parks and General Services. The interdepartmental program became a part of the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan in 1992. The department developed a two-pronged approach to yard waste diversion. Mulching Yard Waste photo by Solid Waste Dept. Residents are encouraged to do backyard composting, especially if their yard waste exceeds the capacity of the 90-gallon container, which the Solid Waste Department trucks with special electronic arms can pick up.