The New Mexico Environment Department has officially renamed its Solid Waste Bureau the Resource Recovery Bureau, or RRB. The bureau鈥檚 updated name and new logo reflect its evolving role in advancing sustainable materials management and supporting a circular economy. In addition to regulating landfills and solid waste facilities, the Resource Recovery Bureau oversees a broad range of programs focused on waste reduction, recycling, composting, and resource conservation.
鈥淥ur new name properly reflects the bureau鈥檚 innovative approach to solid waste management that鈥檚 at the core of NMED鈥檚 mission,鈥� said Shirlene Sitton, Resource Recovery Bureau chief. 鈥淭he solid waste community has evolved, and we recognize the importance of focusing on sustainable materials management and highlighting the need for change in our disposable economy.鈥�
The Resource Recovery Bureau continues to carry out all functions previously performed by the Solid Waste Bureau, including:
- Overseeing permitting for solid waste, recycling, and composting facilities
- Administering the Recycling and Illegal Dumping (RAID) Fund and Solid Waste Facility Grant Programs
- Conducting operator certification training
- Providing technical assistance to local governments, tribal entities, community organizations, and the public
In the coming year, the Bureau will collaborate with the RAID Alliance to develop a Circular Economy Plan made possible by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham鈥檚 signing of House Bill 291 in the past legislative session 鈥� focusing on market-based opportunities for recycling and reuse to keep resources in the value chain and out of landfills. This initiative will be incorporated into the upcoming update of the New Mexico Solid Waste Management Plan, modernizing the 2015 version.