Sandoval County, NM Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

' Chapter 14's definitions section broadly defines 'litter' to include decaying or non-decaying solid or semisolid waste such as paper, cardboard, cans, yard clippings, wood, glass, bedding, discarded appliances and furniture, and dry vegetation, so the sidewalk ban reaches most everyday debris, not just food or paper trash. Section 14-23(b) further requires that when litter is placed in a public or authorized private receptacle, it must be secured so it can't be carried or scattered by wind or animals, and bars positioning receptacles in a manner that constitutes a public nuisance or obstruction.

That receptacle placement standard is reinforced by Section 14-28(b)(6), which separately bars locating any solid waste receptacle where it would obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic. Section 14-23(d) rounds out the sidewalk protection by requiring that any vehicle hauling solid waste through the county keep it covered or securely loaded so nothing spills or blows onto streets or sidewalks in transit.