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Albuquerque, NM Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Site plan
Required before commercial collection approved
Right-of-way placement
Needs a variance
Setback height cap
3 ft in front/corner setback
Enclosure height
At least dumpster height
Reviewing authority
Mayor / Planning Department

Summary

Commercial dumpsters need a city-approved site plan; enclosures must screen them from the street and match their height, and street right-of-way placement needs a variance.

No site plan shall be approved if it would place a container which is over three feet high in a required front or corner zoning setback area unless such a container was approved prior to October 1, 1985. ... No site plan shall be approved if it locates a container on public street right of way unless an appropriate variance is granted. ... The height of the enclosure shall be not less than the height of the container which is or will be utilized on the site.

View 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

Any site needing commercial solid-waste collection must submit a site plan to the Planning Department showing the container location, and the city won't approve a spot on public street right-of-way absent a variance. A container over three feet tall can't sit in a required front or corner setback. Enclosures must be at least as tall as the dumpster and screen it from public view, per City of Albuquerque Solid Waste Enclosure specifications.

Violations & Fines

Placing a container on street right-of-way without a variance, or exceeding a 3-ft height in a front/corner setback, makes the collection point illegal; the Mayor's designee can require removal and can suspend or designate service until the property owner complies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a commercial dumpster in the street right-of-way in Albuquerque?
Not without an approved variance: the code bars siting a collection point on public street right-of-way otherwise.
Does a dumpster enclosure need to hide the container from the street?
Yes. City rules require an enclosure at least as tall as the container, designed to screen it from public view.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Albuquerque

Collection ScheduleSignificant RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingHeavy RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome 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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