Albuquerque, NM Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Collector
- City is exclusive hauler
- Billing
- All premises charged, no opt-out
- Vacancy exemption
- 90+ consecutive days, written request
- Self-haul
- Owner may haul own waste
- Penalty
- Up to $500 fine, 90 days jail
Summary
Albuquerque runs trash collection as a city monopoly: private haulers are barred from picking up residential refuse, and virtually every occupied premises is automatically billed for city service whether or not you set out a can.
Except as otherwise provided herein, all refuse accumulated in the city shall be collected, conveyed, and disposed by the city. No person shall collect, convey over any of the streets or alleys of the city, or dispose of any refuse accumulated in the city except as herein provided. The Mayor shall have the authority to make regulations concerning the days of collections, type and location of pick-up, conveyance and disposal as he or she should find necessary and to change and revoke same.
(B) Sections
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
City code makes the Solid Waste Management Department the exclusive collector of refuse citywide; no person may collect, haul, or dispose of accumulated refuse except as the ordinance allows. Property owners may personally haul their own waste, and the Mayor sets collection days, frequency, and pickup rules by regulation. Every premises is charged the collection fee unless it has sat vacant 90+ consecutive days and the owner mailed or faxed a written suspension request to the Solid Waste Management Department at least 10 days ahead of the vacancy.
Violations & Fines
Interfering with a city collection crew, or violating the solid waste ordinance generally, is a misdemeanor under § 9-10-1-99: a fine up to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both, with each day of a continuing violation counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire a private company instead of the city for trash pickup in Albuquerque?
Do I have to pay for city trash collection even if I don't use it?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albuquerque
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