A coalition of state, federal and tribal agencies and nonprofit groups is starting a campaign aimed at curbing illegal dumping across New Mexico.
The yearlong campaign will include billboards, posters, radio spots and television commercials.
Officials say a toll-free number and website have also been set up for reporting illegal dumping.
The executive director of the New Mexico Association of Counties, Paul Gutierrez, says the consequences of illegal dumping are felt by everyone. He says local governments spend thousands of dollars cleaning up dump sites every year and that takes funding away from other services.
Gutierrez also says property values, economic development and tourism can be affected by illegal dumping.
Several cleanup events are planned over the next few months. Locations include Torreon, Dixon, Chaparral and Roswell.