Trash & Recycling in Sandoval County, NM (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Sandoval County, New Mexico.
Verified from official government sources
Bin Placement Rules
Sandoval County requires solid waste receptacles to be kept clean and located where they're readily accessible for pickup, but never positioned in a way that creates a nuisance or blocks vehicle or foot traffic. Violations are handled as a public nuisance under chapter 14.
Sandoval County Rules for Placing Trash Receptacles
Some RestrictionsSandoval County Code § 14-28(b)(6)
All solid waste receptacles shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition by the owner or person using the receptacle and such receptacles shall be located only in such places as shall be readily accessible for removing and emptying the same, but shall not be placed in such place or position as may constitute a nuisance or obstruction to vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
Illegal Dumping
Sandoval County makes it unlawful to dump solid waste or debris in any arroyo, streambed, drainage ditch, or public body of water, or on any property in the county whether the dumper owns it or not. Repeatedly dumped-on vacant lots must be fenced, bermed, or posted with four-foot posts and "no dumping" signs. The Zoning Officer enforces the ban with notices, Magistrate Court citations, and fines up to $300.
Sandoval County Illegal Dumping Ban and Penalties
Heavy RestrictionsSandoval County Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance § 15(1)(E)
E.Dumping. Unlawful dumping or disposal of solid waste. It shall be unlawful to dispose of solid waste in any manner other than as specified in this code.1.Unlawful to dump. It shall be unlawful for any person to place or dump solid waste or debris in any arroyo, stream bed, drainage ditch, public fountain or any public body of water within the boundaries of the county.2.Dumping on property. It...
Yard Waste Collection
Sandoval County has no curbside yard waste pickup program; grass clippings, leaves, and brush ('yard refuse' under § 14-19) must go out with regular solid waste or be burned only under a fire marshal permit. Piling yard debris on a lot without disposing of it is an unlawful accumulation under § 14-24.
Sandoval County Yard Waste Burning Rule
Light RestrictionsSandoval County Code §§ 14-19, 14-25
Yard refuse means vegetative matter resulting from landscaping, land maintenance and land clearing operations. ... No garbage, solid waste, or debris shall be burned within the county. Fire permits may be obtained by the county fire marshal's office for certain types of yard refuse.
Dumpster Rules
Commercial solid waste containers in unincorporated Sandoval County must be kept accessible between 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., or as otherwise set by the county manager, and cannot hold more waste than their capacity with the lid closed except while dumping.
Sandoval County Commercial Dumpster Access Rules
Some RestrictionsSandoval County Code § 14-26(b)(2)b, (c)(2)
All commercial solid waste containers are to be accessible between the hours of 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., or as otherwise designated by the county manager. ... Any excess accumulation outside the designated contracted container shall be prohibited. The solid waste must not exceed the container capacity and the solid waste container lid must be closed at all times except when disposal is occurring.
Collection Schedule
Residential trash collection outside Placitas runs through an eight-year exclusive franchise hauler, but county code makes subscribing non-mandatory. Pickup frequency follows the schedule the hauler files with the county manager, and no truck may collect within 200 feet of a school within a half hour of opening or closing.
Sandoval County Residential Trash Collection Rules
Some RestrictionsSandoval County Code § 14-26(a)(1), (b)(1)
Non-mandatory exclusive residential collection services. ... Sandoval County. The county finds that it is expedient and in the best interest of the county to award an eight-year, exclusive franchise agreement for the provision of an exclusive comprehensive solid waste program in the unincorporated areas of Sandoval County excluding Placitas. ... Solid waste accumulated by residences participati...
All Sandoval County ordinances
See every category we cover for Sandoval County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Sandoval County Ordinance Hub →