The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced grants totaling $2,140,994 for the Pueblo of Isleta and Pueblo de Cochiti in New Mexico through the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) program. These funds aim to enhance local waste management systems, reduce landfill waste, and foster economic growth within tribal communities.
The Pueblo of Isleta will receive $1,500,000 to expand its recycling program, enabling drop-off for large materials like construction, demolition, and green waste. This project includes installing three tipping stations and a sorting pad, alongside an education campaign to promote proper recycling. This initiative will help prevent pollution in the Rio Grande watershed and build scalable infrastructure for future growth.
Meanwhile, the Pueblo de Cochiti is allocated $640,994 to establish a centralized composting program. This will divert food waste and other organics from landfills, funding necessary infrastructure and equipment such as large composting bins and processing pads. The program seeks to reduce reliance on burn piles and landfills, encouraging long-term land stewardship.
Acting Assistant Administrator Thomas Croci said, "These grants further energize our American economy by improving recycling, cutting disposal costs, reducing waste in landfills and extending landfill life, and creating good paying local jobs." Regional Administrator Scott Mason added that the SWIFR program "engages local economies to reduce waste and increase the amount and types of materials that can be recycled." These investments are expected to create new jobs and improve the quality of life in these communities.