Document Actions

32 - Integrated waste management

Goal 5 - DCC 32 - Solid wastes are produced no faster than natural systems and technology can process them.

The rate of growth in residential waste is significantly faster than the growth in waste diversion (see DCC 34). The increase in waste disposed in the landfill equates to a 58% reduction in the planned life of the landfill. Citizens have a poor understanding of this condition.

INDICATORS

32.1 Residential Waste Disposed Per Household
32.2 Capacity of the Cerro Colorado Landfill Consumed Per Year
See Goal 5, Indicator 34.2 Recycling Diversion Rate

LOCAL TREND:

Over the last 7 years, there has been an increase in the amount of residential waste disposed per household, with a low of 1.37 tons per account in 2002 and a high of 1.66 in 2005. The City of Albuquerque currently operates one landfill—the Cerro Colorado landfill—located 20 miles southwest of Albuquerque. The increase in the amount of waste is causing landfill capacity concerns sooner than planned.

NATIONAL/REGIONAL COMPARISON:

Comparing five Southwest peer cities in waste tons collected per account, Ft. Worth, Austin, and Mesa sit at polar opposite ends with Ft. Worth and Austin having an average ton per account below one, while Mesa is over two tons per account. Albuquerque and Oklahoma City are similar to the national average for jurisdictions with populations over 100,000. Comparative information is not available for landfill volume as landfill ownership and collection is shared by private and public sectors.

CITIZEN PERCEPTION:

Among all Desired Community Conditions, this condition is ranked 4th in importance by Albuquerque citizens. Citizens also placed this condition in the top five among all conditions based on progress believing that our community has made progress in ensuring that solid wastes are disposed in an effective and proper manner.

Opportunity to