The City of Carlsbad could be getting a new tool in the continued fight against illegal dumping.

The Carlsbad City Council Tuesday approved a grant application to the New Mexico Environment Department for funds from the Recycling and Illegal Dumping (RAID) Grant to purchase a tire shredder.

In a memo to councilors, City of Carlsbad Utilities Director Ron Myers said the solid waste department would use the tire shredder to assist with the proper disposal of tires in the Carlsbad city limits.

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In the memo, Myers said the City would have to pay a one-time, up-front cost of $185,000 to purchase the shredder. He said if the grant was approved by NMED the City would get back $85,000.

Myers said the purpose of the RAID Grant is to protect the health and welfare of current and future residents of New Mexico by providing for the prevention and allotment of illegal dumpsites and promoting environmentally sound methods for reuse and recycling, the memo read.

Mary Garwood, Keep Carlsbad Beautiful director, expressed excitement for the grant.

“We need to do as much as we can to prevent the Sandpoint Landfill from filling up any faster than it has to. This is definitely a step in the right direction,” she said.

Garwood said illegally dumped tires are an issue in the City of Carlsbad.

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“We find them in alleys, in vacant lots, thrown on the side of our outer roads,” she said.

According to City Council documents, BCA Industries from Milwaukee will supply the shredder depending on grant approval.

“This machine will process four to five tons per hour in dense materials,” read BCA’s proposal to the City.

The shredder can also devour semi tires once the sidewalls have been removed, the proposal indicated.

Myers said the shredder will be place at the City of Carlsbad Convenience Station at 301 East Plaza Street.

Garwood said the grant could be awarded later this year.

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She added Carlsbad and Eddy County residents may drop off tires the Convenience Station and in some select locations in the County.

“The City accepts them a couple at a time at our Convenience Station and folks are welcome to drop a few off at the Eddy County drop-off sites as well, but a business needs to ensure they are taken out to Sandpoint Landfill,” she said.

Garwood said the Convenience Station is open seven days a week from 6:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.