The Resource Recovery Bureau promotes and works to ensure solid waste management practices that improve and protect public health and New Mexico’s air, land, and water.
Effective January 1, 2026 – New PFAS Constituent Requirements for Landfill Groundwater Monitoring
The New Mexico Environment Department’s Resource Recovery Bureau has developed a Fact Sheet and updated Subsection B of the Groundwater Monitoring Parameter Table to reflect these changes.
Solid Waste is Now Resource Recovery
The New Mexico Environment Department has renamed its Solid Waste Bureau to the Resource Recovery Bureau to reflect its expanded mission in sustainable materials management. In addition to overseeing permitting and compliance for solid waste facilities, the Bureau administers recycling and composting initiatives, manages grant programs, and works to reduce waste, conserve resources, and advance a circular economy in New Mexico.
- Overseeing permitting for solid waste, recycling, and composting facilities
- Administering the Recycling and Illegal Dumping (RAID) Grant and Solid Waste Facility Grant Programs
- Conducting operator certification training
- Providing technical assistance to local governments, tribal entities, community organizations, and the public
- The Bureau’s activities are guided by the New Mexico Solid Waste Act; Solid Waste Rules; Recycling and Illegal Dumping Act; Recycling, Illegal Dumping, and Scrap Tire Management Rules; and other state and federal rules and policies.
Solid Waste Management Plan Update
The Resource Recovery Bureau, with funding from the EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) program and support from consultant Burns & McDonnell, is launching an update to New Mexico’s Solid Waste Management Plan, last updated in 2015. The project will modernize statewide waste management strategies, strengthen data collection, and set goals for recycling, food waste reduction, and sustainable materials management. Stakeholder engagement will begin at the 2025 New Mexico Recycling & Solid Waste Conference in Santa Fe, September 30–October 1, with additional opportunities for feedback over the next year. To view more details about the plan update, including an FAQ, click here.
RRB In The Community: Stakeholder Workshops – New Mexico 2026 Solid Waste Management Plan Update
As part of the Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) update, NMED is hosting a series of virtual stakeholder workshops to gather input from professionals across the public, private, academic, and nonprofit sectors:
- Public Sector and Tribes: Representatives of cities, counties, state governments, tribal nations, and solid waste authorities.
- Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 10:00 – 11:00 am
- Register here
- Private Sector: Representatives of waste haulers, waste processors/facilities, end-use markets/manufacturers, composters, and consulting firms.
- Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 10:00 – 11:00 am
- Register here
- Non-Government Organizations and Educational Institutions: Representatives of nonprofits, advocacy groups, community-based organizations, school districts, colleges, and universities.
- Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 10:00 – 11:00 am
- Register here
Each session will include an explanation of key components to the SWMP update, including setting new goals for recycling, developing waste reduction strategies, and strengthening data collection in support of a more circular economy. Each workshop will include a facilitated conversation with attendees, encouraging them to share their perspectives and contribute to the development of the updated SWMP.
Questions and concerns can be directed to rrb.inbox@env.nm.gov.