Because dry, carbon-rich additives are required in biosolids composting, environmental benefits of the composting program are enhanced by diversion of appropriate materials from the municipal solid waste stream. The Water Authority supports several interagency agreements, under which shredded yard wastes and discarded animal bedding are diverted away from the municipal landfill for the production of biosolids compost, which is returned to the cooperating agencies for beneficial re-use. Material transfer quantities are tracked by a truck scale installed at the SAF. Cooperating agencies have saved money and reduced watering requirements by using biosolids compost in park maintenance, playing field installations, public garden plantings and median improvements.

Examples of agencies that have entered into cooperative agreements with the Water Authority include the Albuquerque Solid Waste Management and Parks Management Departments; the Albuquerque Biological Park, the Albuquerque Public Schools System; the University of New Mexico; the Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque; Kirtland Air Force Base; and the Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District.

During 1997, 6.0 million pounds of biosolids compost was produced for use by cooperating government agencies, and 4.3 million pounds was distributed through a marketing contract. In addition, 1.8 million pounds of biosolids-free compost, produced with surplus yard trimmings and horse stable bedding, was distributed during 1997 under a marketing research agreement with local firm Soilutions, Inc. Overall, the Albuquerque Municipal Composting Program diverted 7 million pounds of organic solid wastes and 8.3 million pounds of biosolids to beneficial uses.