2023 Sustainability Survey
Take our
CLIMATE ACTION PLAN SURVEY. We want to hear about your vision for a sustainable future in Los Alamos. The survey
closes on October 18, 2023. For more information on our greenhouse gas baseline study and the development of a climate action plan visit the
County's sustainability initiative.
Los Alamos County Landfill and Eco Station History
Los Alamos County began operating the landfill in 1974. Municipal solid waste from the community and Los Alamos National Lab was buried in the landfill from about 1974 to 2008. In 2008, the Los Alamos County landfill was closed, and the Eco Station was constructed. The Eco Station serves as a transfer station to handle the majority of the solid waste generated in Los Alamos. Solid waste is transported off the hill daily for final disposal at the Rio Rancho landfill, approximately 90 miles away. Mixed recycling is sent to Friedman Recycling in Albuquerque. Electronics, appliances, tires and household hazardous waste (paints, chemicals, etc.) are also sent off the hill for proper disposal. Glass is sent to Momentum in Colorado, organic trimmings are chipped for mulch and then processed into compost, concrete and asphalt are crushed into millings, see our landscaping page for more information. The reuse center accepts all gently used items and is another opportunity to divert waste from the landfill. Los Alamos County encourages practices that reduce the amount of waste needing to be disposed of, such as waste prevention, recycling, and composting. If you have any questions about how municipal solid waste is managed in Los Alamos, please call the Eco Station at (505) 662-8163 or email [email protected]
Environmental Services Division Mission:
Provide exceptional solid waste and sustainability services to create a better community for current and future generations.
Environmental Sustainability Initiative:
In March 2008, the County Council directed staff to implement the Environmental Sustainability Initiative to achieve council goals of community wide hydrocarbon independence, resource conservation, land stewardship, and smart growth. View the Environmental Sustainability Plan.
Los Alamos County is dedicated to diverting waste and keeping it out of the landfills. For information on how we are doing please take a look at the current Residential Sustainability Report.
Sustainability Brochure
The Environmental Services Division provides solid waste and recycling services to Los Alamos County residents. In addition, the Environmental Sustainability Board was formed to provide public input on the County's sustainability efforts.
Request a presentation or education table
We love to partner with the community! Contact Armando Gabaldon at (505) 662-8163 or [email protected] if you would like a food waste prevention presentation or recycling presentation for your Los Alamos classroom, business, faith-based organization, community group, or residents. Or if you would like us to staff an educational table at your event. We can’t guarantee we’ll be able to fill all requests, but we’ll do our best! We are only able to provide education services in Los Alamos.
Los Alamos County Builds Green:
- In 2006, Los Alamos County adopted Resolution 06-18Establishing High Performance Green Buildings Standards for County of LA New Construction Projects stating that all new County buildings must meet LEED Silver certification. As stated on the U.S. Green Building Council's website, LEED certified buildings focus on "improving performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts." LEED certified facilities are also more comfortable for workers, thereby helping to increase worker productivity and wellness.
- The new Pajarito Cliffs Site and the Justice Center were completed in 2010 and followed LEED standards.
Eco Station Green Building Facts:
- 35% water savings through low flow fixtures
- 92% construction waste recycled
- 25% recycled content in the facility
- Solar heat and hot water thanks to a grant from New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Dept.
- LA Green power for remaining energy use
- Daylighting and views for 90% of occupants
- Construction completed under budget
Contact Information:
Eco Station
Environmental Services Division 505-662-8163
[email protected]