There are four inspectors with the New Mexico Environment Department Solid Waste Bureau who visit each operating landfill at least once each year to see if they are living up to the law. They also oversee closed landfills, landfill sub-stations, garbage haulers and medical facilities that generate infectious waste.

The inspectors can issue warnings and fines of up to $5,000. In 1997, 253 facilities were inspected. 58 notices of violation and 8 administrative compliance orders were issues. There was one penalty imposed of $3,750.

Critics complain there are not enough inspectors to oversee all the landfills in the state. One reason is that landfill permit fees, they say, are too low and do not cover the actual cost of permitting and regulating landfills.