Soil pollution in New Mexico

Soil pollution in NM is a significant environmental waste management concern with far-reaching implications for both the state’s ecosystems and human health. This southwestern state’s diverse geography, which includes deserts, forests, and agricultural areas, is susceptible to various forms of soil pollution.

One of the primary contributors to soil pollution in New Mexico is industrial activities, including mining and oil drilling. These operations often introduce hazardous chemicals and heavy metals into the soil, posing risks to nearby ecosystems and groundwater sources.

Agriculture is another major source of soil pollution, as the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers can lead to soil contamination over time. Improper disposal of agricultural waste can exacerbate this issue.

Furthermore, New Mexico’s history of nuclear research and testing has left a legacy of radioactive contamination in some areas, affecting both soil and groundwater. This presents a long-term challenge for remediation and containment efforts.

Soil pollution in New Mexico has consequences for public health, as contaminants can enter the food chain, affecting the safety of locally grown crops and livestock. Additionally, polluted soil can lead to degraded soil quality, reduced agricultural productivity, and harm to native plant and animal species.

Efforts to combat soil pollution in New Mexico involve stricter regulations, monitoring, and remediation strategies to protect both the environment and the health of its residents. Addressing this issue is crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the state’s ecosystems and agricultural activities.

Even more, it is the richness of the soils that has allowed forests, jungles and grasslands to develop all over the planet. The quality of the earth is the very condition for the survival of plants, which are the basis of all the ecosystems of our Earth. It is from these same ecosystems that we get our raw materials, our food, some of our clothes and many medicines. 70% of our current antibiotics are made from soil-derived microorganisms, and the vast majority of exploitable molecules have yet to be discovered.

In the same way as the oceans, soils are also real carbon sinks. In total, between 1,500 and 2,400 billion tonnes of carbon are currently trapped in soils around the world, an essential contribution to global warming. This tends to expose us more to natural disasters, but again, the soil manages to absorb water in the event of flooding, and to maintain good health even in the event of drought.

And then the soils have made it possible to create the extraordinary diversity of landscapes found on the planet. The multitude of rocks and climates has given rise to just as many different soils, each with their own characteristics and balance.

It is enough for certain nutrients to be lacking in the soil for plant growth to be impacted, and thus the entire food chain.

The situation on the state of the soils in New Mexico

According to the New Mexico Academy of Science, 75% of the NM soils are now degraded.

A degradation that occurs in just a few years, while it takes up to 1000 years for a single centimeter of soil to be reconstituted. In other words, despite popular belief, soil is not an unlimited resource. There is nothing more than what we see, and it is impossible to witness its renewal on the scale of a human lifetime.

For example, about one hectare of soil disappear every week in New Mexico, due to urban expansion. The soils are suffocating and earthworms are becoming increasingly rare. In 1950, there were an average of 2 tons of earthworms per hectare. They are only 200 kilos today. However, they play a major role in the fertilization of the land.

The price of renting a dumpster in Albuquerque, NM

Considerate residents of Albuquerque use waste management services to rent dumpsters when they have too much junk they want to discard. Prices for such junk disposal services are reasonable.

Renting a dumpster in Albuquerque, New Mexico, entails various cost considerations depending on several key factors. These factors include the size of the dumpster, the rental duration, the type of waste, and the choice of rental provider.

In Albuquerque, dumpster rental prices typically range from $250 to $600 for a standard 10 to 20 cubic yard dumpster. Smaller dumpsters designed for residential cleanouts may be less expensive, while larger containers suitable for construction or renovation projects will be at the higher end of the spectrum.

The rental duration also plays a role in pricing. Rentals usually vary from a few days to a week, and extended rental periods may incur additional fees.

The type of waste being disposed of can significantly impact the price. Common household or construction debris is generally less expensive to dispose of than hazardous materials or items requiring special disposal procedures.

The choice of rental provider is essential in determining the final cost. Prices can vary between companies, so it’s advisable to obtain multiple quotes to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Additionally, inquire about any additional charges, such as delivery and pickup fees, weight limits, or overage charges.

To obtain an accurate cost estimate for renting a dumpster in Albuquerque, it’s recommended to contact local rental companies (here is more info), providing them with specific details about your project. This will allow them to offer you a customized quote that takes all relevant factors into account.