Food waste is a significant concern in the City of Las Cruces, comprising the largest portion of our waste stream. To tackle this challenge, Las Cruces Utilities Solid Waste Collections has applied for a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) compost grant to launch an innovative food waste collection program known as “Curb Your Waste.”
This initiative is designed to integrate seamlessly with our existing solid waste management systems. Through this pilot project, we will assess the collection, transfer, and processing of food waste, ultimately reducing the waste that ends up in our landfills. By diverting food and food-soiled materials from landfills, we can transform them into valuable compost.
Pilot Program Overview and Objectives
The Curb Your Waste pilot program consists of two primary phases:
Phase 1: The initial phase involves the integration of food waste collection into our current composting program at the Green Waste, Compost, and Clean Landfill. This lays the groundwork for effectively managing food waste.
Phase 2: In collaboration with Casa de Peregrinos, a food rescue program that collects unsold food from grocery stores, farmers, and other donors, we will expand our efforts. While much of the collected food is distributed to families in need, some of it is not suitable for consumption and is perfect for composting. Additionally, the City of Las Cruces Sustainability Department has selected 50 households to initially participate in this program. Residents in chosen areas are provided with a 26-gallon container to collect their food waste.
Accepted (Samples):
Fruit
Cheese
Avocado
Egg Shells
Not Accepted (Samples):
Oil
Plastic Containers
Pet waste
Household Trash
Community Involvement
During this initial phase, participants are encouraged to separate their food waste from regular household garbage. Clear instructions are provided to ensure that contamination is minimized. To further enhance the program, we will conduct household acceptance surveys and gather feedback on the collection services to identify any necessary modifications. The findings from this pilot program will guide the potential development of a comprehensive food waste management plan for the entire City of Las Cruces.
Learn more about the USDA Food Loss and Waste Program
Get Involved!
Come by the Green Waste, Compost, and Clean Landfill to grab some of our compost made from yard waste for your gardens! It’s a great way to enrich your soil and help the environment. Join us in making a positive impact in our community!
Contact Us
Las Cruces Utilities Customer Central
(575) 541-2111/TTY 711
LasCruces.gov/Utilities
