Programs

KNMB is dedicated to implementing programs throughout the state, to assist in the preservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of New Mexico by encouraging communities to improve their surroundings.

Many of the programs are educational, while others focus on recycling to conserve our natural resources.

Dusty Roadrunner

Dusty was created in 1964 by Mary Olin Harrell and artist Jean Rankin and generously given to KNMB as their mascot.

In 1969 Dusty was adopted as the official state cleanup and litter prevention symbol by House Memorial 13.

Dusty has spent many years visiting school children and communities to promote beautification, litter control, and stewardship.

Teachers and educators, check this out:

The Dusty Roadrunner program is a strong anti-litter educational program aimed at children in kindergarten and elementary schools. It is presented in the form of two educational booklets and reinforced by personal appearances of KNMB’s Dusty Roadrunner mascot. The booklets entitled Fun With Dusty Roadrunner and Dusty Roadrunner Visits the National Monuments in New Mexico teach the importance of litter prevention through stories and activities. Educational presentations on ecology, conservation, litter control, beautification, civic pride or volunteerism are provided by KNMB staff or board members upon request. We also enjoy large assemblies where we can spread the word to all the students at once, so please consider inviting us to an assembly. KNMB activity booklets are available free of charge to schools within New Mexico (booklet distribution is based on availability and shipping fees; most requests can be fulfilled).

KNMB Outreach

Keep New Mexico Beautiful would like to take part in your community event, visit your school or educational program. We would like to spread the message of protecting and conserving our environment with both young and old. Depending on scheduling and availability, KNMB staff make presentations on litter control, beautification, recycling, and community stewardship. If you would like to invite us out, we will help reinforce a message of personal responsibility and care for the community. Contact us to learn more about how we can help support your festival, parade, fair, classroom, or school function. We would like KNMB to be a household name in New Mexico.

Ink Jet Cartridge Recycling

KNMB has partnered with Document Solutions Inc. of Albuquerque to implement an ink jet cartridge recycling program. This program is open to all schools and organizations in New Mexico, and it serves two main purposes: diverting cartridges from the landfill, and providing funds for KNMB outreach visits.

What is unique about our ink jet cartridge recycling program? It differs from large company collection programs in these ways:

The school or organization that turns in the most cartridges in a year will receive a $200 grant from Keep New Mexico Beautiful to implement further recycling or litter prevention programs.

All of the ink jet cartridges are re-manufactured at Document Solutions Inc’s Albuquerque location rather than being shipped out of state, therefore contributing to the local economy.

The type of cartridges that we collect include HP laser jet and ink jet, Sharp, and Canon cartridges.