Contrary to the belief of some local residents, the city of Cortez does offer a recycling service and has done so since July of 1991.

"Since that time, we have offered a curbside program to city residents," said Don Cornett, the recyclable materials coordinator for Montezuma County. The recycling trucks follow the same route pattern as the garbage trucks and run on the same day, Cornett said.

Recyclables, including clear and brown glass, aluminum and newspapers can be left outside residents’ homes in the green recycling bins to be picked up free of charge.

"Residents who are not currently participating in the program but would like to should call the Cortez city hall and put in a request," said Cornett.

Beginning March 27, the recycling crews began picking up the bins at 7 a.m. — an hour earlier, than during the winter months, he added.

"There is also a drop-off point in the parking lot behind the Cortez Annex building for county residents who do not have pickup service available to them," the coordinator said.

Prior to 1991 the city disposed of this material at the landfill, said Cornett, but today the recycling center averages 1,250 pounds of material a day.

"Last year we saved 340,680 pounds of newspaper alone from the landfill," Cornett said. The newspaper is baled and sits in a warehouse until there is enough for a truckload, he said.

"Once we have enough for a truck load, it is picked up and delivered to the Abitibi recycling plant in Snowflake, Ariz.," said Cornett. The paper is turned back into magazine and newsprint paper in Arizona, he said.

Cornett said that for every ton of recycled newspaper, 17 poplar trees (used to make paper) are saved from being cut down.

Bottles are separated into clear glass and brown glass categories. "The brown glass is sent to the Coors company where it is turned back into beer bottles," Cornett said. "The clear glass goes back to a recycling center where it is broken down and used as a road adhesive."

Charles Fox, office manager for the Montezuma County landfill, said that he will accept almost all other materials, with the exception of liquids.

"We can’t accept any kind of contaminant," said Fox. "This includes medical waste, battery acid, paint [unless it is dry], and oil." Fox said that the Texaco Amigo Mart & Express Lube on Main Street will accept used motor oil which it recycles.

"There is a $7 minimum fee in order to drop up to 700 pounds of trash at the landfill. After that it costs $24 a ton," Fox said.