BERNALILLO COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – A new recycling initiative called “Breaking Butts” kicked off Monday in Bernalillo County, aimed at keeping used cigarette butts off of public sidewalks and streets. So far, three of these recycling receptacles have been installed across the city.
The collected butts are sent to a special out-of-state recycling center. “The paper and tobacco are separated and shredded for composting, while the plastic filters are sanitized and turned into powder material, that are used to make new plastic products like hand tools and picnic benches,” says Antonio Jaramillo, director of operations and maintenance for Bernalillo County.
The county is accepting letters of interest from organizations interested in hosting a receptacle. You can send them via email to gvillescas@bernco.gov.
