Recycling
Traditionally, Native people revered earth and sky as creators of life and respected them by keeping the way we found the environment and protecting it to meet the needs for many generations. Each tribe had own way of stewardship that worked well and passed on the wisdom, borrowing all they needed from nature and returning what was left back. However, today we have been accustomed to life with modern amenities and conveniences and quickly became a throwaway society.
It’s estimated that an average American produces nearly 5 pounds of waste per day. Majority of this is recyclable, salvageable, and compostable---papers, metals, glass, plastic, batteries, old electronics and kitchen and yard waste.
Recycling turns some of the waste materials into usable and sometimes valuable resources, generating a host of environmental, financial, and social benefits. Materials such as glass, metal, plastics, and paper are collected and sent to facilities that can process them into new materials or products. This process redirects millions of tons of waste away from landfills and incinerators, which in turn reduces soil, water and air pollutions. Each one of us is responsible for the waste we generate. Each of us doing a part and working to divert own compostable or hazardous waste away from landfills to make a difference!
WHERE to take my recyclable?
IN TOWAOC
Recycle Bins at Transfer Station
IN WHITE MESA
Recycle Bins in front of the Vocational/Rehab Office
IN CORTEZ
Recycling Bins at Cortez Industrial Park
If you live in the Cortez City Limit
WHAT and HOW to recycle?
Printable lists of RECYCLABLES and NON RECYCLABLES
Aluminum
Steel and Tin Cans
Empty out food material and liquid, lightly rinse and flatten if possible.
TRANSFER STATION (TOWAOC)
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT (WHITE MESA)
Glass bottles and jars
Empty out food material and liquid and lightly rinse.
Mixed Paper
Newspapers, shredded papers, paper sacks, office papers, magazines, phonebooks, brochures, mails (envelopes included).
*We do not accept paper towel, tissue paper, paper board, manila folder and envelope, cereal boxes, beer-pack holders and “recyclable” food containers, egg cartons and paper cups.
Plastic
#1 and #2 plastic, bottle shaped ones only.
Most water and soda bottles and milk/detergent jugs and food containers with “shoulders”---such as mayo and ketchup bottles are #1 and #2 plastic. On the other hand, a majority of individual-size yogurt and juice bottles are not. Please do not mix in other kinds of plastic in your bag. No lids are accepted either.
Even if a container says #1 or #2, berry and/or vege containers, tubs, and other shapes that are not bottle like are not accepted.
Corrugulated cardboard
Open and flatten.
Ink cartridges
Call 970-564-5431 and make an appointment for drop off or pick up.
E-waste (electronic device and equipment, cell phones)
Keep it clean and protected until the bi-annual E-waste collection days (usually in May and November)
The EPD partners with the Four Corners Recycling Initiatives, Montezuma County Landfill, and City of Cortez to divert solid waste out of environment.
