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Rio Rancho, NM Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)

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

Key Facts

Service type
By request, fee-based
Fee basis
Hourly equipment and labor cost
Bundle length cap
4 feet
Bundle weight cap
50 pounds

Summary

Rio Rancho's contractor collects bulky items like furniture and appliances by request for a fee, and oversized rubbish must be bundled to no more than 4 feet and 50 pounds.

Upon request and for a fee, the contractor shall collect bulky and large solid waste including but not limited to, furniture and appliances. The contractor may assess a reasonable charge based on the average hourly cost of equipment and labor for the time required. Solid waste that is too long or bulky to be placed in the containers required by this chapter, shall be prepared for collection by compressing the rubbish as flat as practicable, or breaking or cutting into shorter lengths, and securely tying in a bundle not exceeding 4 feet in length and 50 pounds in weight. No solid waste such as light packing materials, or other similar and easily scattered materials, shall be included in the bundle, nor any garbage or material not defined as rubbish. (’87 Code, § 8-1-12; Ord. 82-34; Am. Ord. 91-041; Am. Ord. 93-028; Am. Ord. 00-003; Am. Ord. 01-019)

Full Breakdown

Under § 50.08, the solid waste contractor collects bulky and large items, including furniture and appliances, upon request and for a fee, charged on the average hourly cost of equipment and labor. Rubbish too long or bulky for a standard container must be compressed flat, or broken or cut into shorter lengths, and tied into a bundle not exceeding 4 feet in length and 50 pounds. Light packing materials or other easily scattered items, and anything not defined as rubbish, may not go in the bundle.

Violations & Fines

Setting out an unbundled oversized item, or a bundle exceeding 4 feet or 50 pounds, without requesting special collection under § 50.08 can leave it uncollected and may run afoul of the chapter's accumulation rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get rid of an old couch in Rio Rancho?
Request special collection from the contractor under § 50.08; they collect bulky items like furniture for a fee based on equipment and labor time.
Can I just leave loose brush at the curb?
No: oversized rubbish must be bundled, tied, and kept to 4 feet in length and 50 pounds in weight, per § 50.08.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Rio Rancho

All Rio Rancho rules

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