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SANTA FE, NM – On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, the Santa Fe County (County) Board of County Commissioners (Board) approved a solid waste permit with the Pueblo of Tesuque (Pueblo) that allows for the temporary reopening of a County solid waste convenience center formerly located on Pueblo property at 50 NM 592.

The reopening is contingent upon the parties agreeing to the specifications of site improvements and those agreed upon improvements being constructed. Consequently, no official reopening date has been established. Once one is established, the reopening date and hours of operation will be announced via social media and email to the County’s District 1 email list.

The convenience center closed on June 30, 2022.

Justin Greene, County Commissioner for District 1, expressed his satisfaction, saying, “We are very happy that we were able to come to a four-year agreement. This issue has been very important to the Pueblo and the residents of the Tesuque area, and one of the first issues I worked on when I took office in January. This is a win-win-win for the Pueblo, County, and Tesuque area that will provide a shorter travel distance for solid waste disposal. Many thanks to the County staff and Pueblo leadership that worked together to get this agreement negotiated and approved.”

Governor Milton Herrera elaborated by stating, “The Pueblo of Tesuque is pleased we were able to come to an agreement of the reopening of the 592 transfer station so that solid waste and recycling service can once again be provided to the entire Tesuque Valley community. The Pueblo is committed to collaborating with the County to address the health and safety needs of our communities, while also demonstrating responsible stewardship of the Earth’s resources. The Pueblo would like to thank Commissioner Greene for his assistance in the temporary reopening of the transfer station.”

Under the permit, the County is to provide a variety of upgrades to the site in exchange for use of the site that will improve access to and security at the site for users and provide up to two (2) 30-yard roll off containers for up to four (4) non-hazardous community cleanup special events per year at the Pueblo.

“The convenience center is not part of the County’s long-term plan for solid waste service,” County Manager Gregory S. Shaffer said.  “We appreciate the Pueblo’s willingness to work with the County to restore service temporarily while a modern, regional transfer station is pursued.  We are also pleased that the temporary agreement allows the County to assist the Pueblo with the cleanup of its land.” 

For media inquiries regarding the re-opening of the Tesuque Transfer Station, please contact Communications Coordinator, Olivia Romo at orromo@santafecountynm.gov.