The bill amends the Recycling and Illegal Dumping Act, renaming it the "Recycling, Circular Economy and Illegal Dumping Act," and aims to enhance New Mexico's circular economy while improving environmental protections. It establishes a statewide recycling and circular economy alliance that includes government and private sector stakeholders to develop strategies for increasing recycling and reducing illegal dumping. The bill also creates positions for a recycling and waste reduction coordinator and a circular economy coordinator within the Department of Environment, and mandates the Environmental Improvement Board to adopt rules for implementing the act, including permit requirements for tire recycling facilities and compliance enforcement measures.

Additionally, the bill establishes the "recycling and illegal dumping fund" within the state treasury, funded by fees and penalties collected under the act, with a focus on abating illegal scrap tire dumpsites and promoting recycling efforts. It ensures that any unexpended balance in the fund at the end of a fiscal year will not revert to the general fund, allowing for continued support of recycling initiatives. The bill also permits local governments and communities to contract for services to address illegal dumpsites, thereby enhancing local waste management efforts and aligning with the overarching goals of the act.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 74-13-1, 74-13-2, 74-13-3, 74-13-6, 74-13-7, 74-13-8, 74-13-10, 74-13-11, 74-13-13, 74-13-14, 74-13-15, 74-13-16, 74-13-17, 74-13-19
GE substitute: 74-13-1, 74-13-2, 74-13-3, 74-13-6, 74-13-7, 74-13-8, 74-13-10, 74-13-11, 74-13-13, 74-13-14, 74-13-15, 74-13-16, 74-13-17, 74-13-19
Final Version: 74-13-1, 74-13-2, 74-13-3, 74-13-6, 74-13-7, 74-13-8, 74-13-10, 74-13-11, 74-13-13, 74-13-14, 74-13-15, 39-3-1.1, 31-18-15, 74-13-19