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Albuquerque, NM Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Set-out window
12 hrs before pickup, by 7 a.m.
Placement
Wheels against curb, gutter
Cart weight limit
150 lbs when full
Removal deadline
Within 24 hrs after pickup
Enforcer
Solid Waste Management Dept.

Summary

Albuquerque residents must set carts out by 7 a.m. on pickup day, place them wheels-to-curb near the driveway edge, and pull them back within 24 hours.

Residential refuse and recyclable carts shall be placed out for pick up no later than 7:00 a.m., on the regularly scheduled day but no sooner than 12 hours prior to pick up unless otherwise specified by the Mayor. ... City issued automation collection carts containing refuse or recyclable material shall be placed in the gutter, wheels against the curb, near the right side of the driveway, or as close as possible to the edge of the street. ... Within 24 hours after scheduled pickup, automated collection carts shall be removed from curbside.

Source: Albuquerque Code Chapter 9, Article 7 — Solid WasteView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-95: Current through Ordinance 2026-010, passed 4-6-2026).

Full Breakdown

Residential refuse and recycling carts go out no earlier than 12 hours before pickup and no later than 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled day. Carts must sit in the gutter with wheels against the curb, near the right side of the driveway, clear of mailboxes, trees, fences, and other obstructions, never on the sidewalk. Carts must come back off the curb within 24 hours after collection, and residents who miss the truck must store their waste until the next pickup or pay for requested curbside service.

Violations & Fines

Late set-out or carts left at the curb past 24 hours after pickup means storing waste until next collection or paying an extra fee for requested curbside service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early can I put my cart out in Albuquerque?
No sooner than 12 hours before your scheduled pickup, and no later than 7:00 a.m. that day.
How long can my cart stay at the curb after pickup?
It must be removed within 24 hours of the scheduled collection.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Albuquerque

Collection ScheduleSignificant RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingHeavy RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue PermitsLight RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Artificial TurfLight RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree TrimmingSome Restrictions

All Albuquerque rules

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