City beautification efforts expand with recycling drop-offs and cleanup incentives thanks to the ¡Que Linda! grant

Residents who may have lost track of the city’s clean up initiatives are being encouraged to take another look, as new recycling drop-off days, free residential trash dumpsters and paid cleanup opportunities continue.

Marcela Alvarado, billing clerk with the City of Socorro, said the ¡Que Linda! Beautification grant is aimed at making recycling and community cleanup more accessible while encouraging residents to help keep the community clean.

The city received the $125,000 grant last year from the New Mexico Department of Transportation as part of the state’s #BreakingBadHabits campaign to encourage county and tribal governments to reduce litter and illegal dumping.

Socorro’s recycling drop-off takes place on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 9 a.m. to noon at 205 California Street. In February, drop-off dates fall on Feb. 7 and Feb. 21.

Accepted items include plastic No. 1 containers — such as clear soda or water bottles — aluminum cans, cardboard and mixed paper. Mixed paper includes items such as printer paper and newspapers. Plastic containers must be clear, and residents are reminded that milk jugs are not considered No. 1 plastic. Residents will be asked to sort recyclables at the site.

In addition to recycling services, the city is still offering free residential trash disposal through temporary dumpsters placed in different areas of town. The dumpsters are intended for household trash and are open to all residents, regardless of where they live.

In February, dumpsters will be located along Cuba Road near the highway bridge and at the corner of Padilla Street and Spring Street. Both dumpsters will be available from Feb. 9 through Feb. 25.

“Sometimes people don’t have the means to go all the way to the landfill,” Alvarado said. “These dumpsters are there to help, and they’re free to use.”

The city is also continuing a cleanup initiative that offers $300 stipends to groups willing to collect trash along the landfill and the frontage road leading toward it. The program has already drawn participation from local school groups and sports teams, including baseball and basketball clubs.

On Jan. 30, the Lady Warriors basketball team was on site at the landfill, filling bags with rogue trash. On March 13 the SCOPE 365 Health Council will head to the landfill to spend the day collecting trash that has blown away from designated collection areas.

Looking ahead, the city plans to expand outreach efforts to local schools to promote recycling and reduce littering. Officials hope education and hands-on participation will help instill long-term habits in younger residents.

Alvarado said community involvement is key to the success of all the programs.

“We want to encourage everyone to recycle, use the dumpsters and take pride in keeping our town beautiful,” she said.

These cleanups typically run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The city provides approval and coordination, and the stipend is issued once the cleanup is completed. Groups do not need to be formally organized clubs to participate.

Alvarado said there are still cleanup dates available in May and June, and she is encouraging community members of all ages to sign up. Contact Alvarado at 575-838-7523 to learn more.