Albuquerque, NM Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Section 9-10-1-10(A) splits multi-family properties into two tiers: a complex of fewer than 25 units may work with the city to establish a recycling program, while a complex of 25 units or more shall establish and manage a recycling collection program, with the city acting as the collection agent in both cases. The responsible party for a covered property must notify residents, employees or clients in writing that recycling participation is mandatory, delivered within 15 days to new residents and no less than twice a year to existing ones, and that notice must cover what materials will be recycled, how they must be prepared, any set-out requirements, the location of recycling containers, and the prohibition against contaminating the recycling stream.

on the scheduled day; missing that window or blocking the container from view means storing the material until the next pickup or paying an added fee for requested service. Recyclables are collected in commingled containers that remain city property, must not be painted or altered, and must be kept clean by the responsible party; a lost, stolen or damaged container draws a replacement fee, and using it for regular trash triggers a collection and disposal charge under the rate appendix. Collection-point siting follows Section 9-10-1-7, and the monthly fee equals the residential recycling rate multiplied by the number of units, charged regardless of occupancy, under Section 9-10-1-10(D).