Recycling Requirements: Albuquerque vs Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Albuquerque, NM and Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM?
Albuquerque and Los Ranchos de Albuquerque have similar restriction levels.
Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
Albuquerque provides curbside single-stream recycling through the Solid Waste Management Department. Recycling is collected every other week in yellow-lidded carts. The city accepts paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and containers, metal cans, and glass in a single-stream system. Contamination of recycling carts is a significant concern.
View full Albuquerque rules →Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
Bernalillo County and the City of Albuquerque operate curbside recycling for paper, cardboard, glass, metals, and plastics #1 and #2. Contaminated carts are tagged and skipped. Commercial recycling is required for large multi-family and commercial generators in Albuquerque.
View full Los Ranchos de Albuquerque rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albuquerque | Los Ranchos de Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Collection Frequency | Every other week | - |
| System Type | Single-stream | - |
| Accepted Materials | Paper, cardboard, plastics #1-2, metals, glass | - |
| Not Accepted | Plastic bags, Styrofoam, food waste | Bags, #3-7 plastic, styrofoam, food |
| Materials Must Be | Clean, dry, and loose (not bagged) | - |
| Accepted | - | Paper, cardboard, glass, #1 and #2 plastics |
| Commercial | - | Required for 4+ unit buildings in ABQ |
| Enforcement | - | Tag-and-skip for contamination |
| State Framework | - | NMSA §74-9-1 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Albuquerque FAQ
What can I recycle in Albuquerque?
The city accepts paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and containers (#1 and #2), aluminum and steel cans, and glass bottles and jars. All materials must be clean, dry, and placed loose in the cart.
Why was my recycling cart not picked up?
Your cart may have been contaminated with non-accepted items. Check for plastic bags, Styrofoam, food waste, or other prohibited materials. Contaminated carts receive an educational tag explaining the issue.
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque FAQ
Can I put plastic bags in my recycling cart?
No. Plastic bags contaminate the load and jam sorting equipment. Take bags to store drop-off bins. Contaminated carts are tagged and skipped.
Is recycling mandatory in Bernalillo County?
Not for single-family homes county-wide, but Albuquerque requires multi-family (4+ units) and commercial generators to provide recycling service under ROA §9-10.
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