Albuquerque has no foam container ban; polystyrene takeout containers, cups, and packing peanuts remain legal at restaurants and retailers, with no statewide New Mexico restriction in force as of 2026.
Unlike California, New York, and several Pacific Northwest cities, New Mexico has not enacted a statewide expanded polystyrene ban for food service. Albuquerque has not adopted a local foam ordinance — the 2020 Clean & Green Retail Ordinance addressed plastic bags but did not regulate foam containers. Restaurants, food trucks, and grocers may continue using polystyrene clamshells, cups, and trays. Albuquerque Solid Waste does not accept polystyrene in curbside recycling, and large foam pieces should be brought to the Convenience Center. Voluntary plastic-reduction efforts are encouraged through the city Sustainability Office and Climate Action Plan.
There is no Albuquerque or NM penalty for using polystyrene, but improper disposal as litter triggers solid-waste fines and stormwater enforcement under city ordinances.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Albuquerque, NM
Under Noise Control Ordinance section 9-9-11, each act in violation is a public nuisance and a separate civil violation, carrying a $250 fine for the first o...
Albuquerque, NM
Noise Control Ordinance section 9-9-7(B) bars operating power mowers, leaf blowers, rototillers, power saws, and similar outdoor power equipment within 500 f...
Albuquerque, NM
Under ROA 1994 Sec. 8-5-1-4(b), Albuquerque may establish residential on-street permit parking zones where a study shows a significant portion of available p...
Albuquerque, NM
In residential zones the Albuquerque IDO (Sec. 14-16-5-5(F)) limits how much of a front or street-side yard may be paved for parking - capped by lot size und...
Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque Code Section 8-5-2-3 declares a vehicle abandoned if it sits unattended on a public street for 36 hours, on private property without owner consen...
Albuquerque, NM
On Albuquerque corner lots, the portion of a rear-yard wall abutting the front yard of a residential lot is held to the 3-foot front-yard limit within 10 fee...
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