New Mexico communities can apply for state grants to improve their recycling programs and clean up illegal dumpsites.

The state has approximately $800,000 available each year for recycling and illegal dumpsite cleanup, according to the New Mexico Environment Department's website. 

Applications are due March 25, KRQE reported.

Municipalities, counties, solid waste authorities, tribes, land grant communities, and cooperative associations are eligible for the grants, the state said. If your group is not eligible, it is possible to partner with another group that is. 

"At least two-thirds of budgeted grant money in each fiscal year is allocated to scrap tire abatement and recycling programs, and one-third is allocated to abatement of illegal dumping and recycling of other solid wastes," the website said. "Matching funds and in-kind contributions are not required but are encouraged."

Projects must be completed in one fiscal year, between July 1 and June 30.

You can view a list of projects that were funded in the past here. 

Low-interest loans are also available for remediating contamination at an eligible brownfield site, including asbestos removal or abatement.