Rio Rancho, NM Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Rio Rancho's solid waste ordinance, Chapter 50, integrates recycling into the franchised collection system. Section 50.03 defines "recycling" as any process by which recyclable materials are collected, separated, or processed and reused, "recyclable materials" as materials that would otherwise become solid waste, and "source separation" as setting aside recyclable materials at the point of generation before they become solid waste. Under Section 50.03's definition of "contractor," the franchisee is authorized to collect solid waste and recyclable materials from residential homes and deliver them to a state-permitted solid waste or appropriate recycling facility, and Section 50.06 lets the city enter exclusive franchises for the collection of residential and commercial recyclable materials. Section 50.07(A)(3)(b) requires that solid waste and recyclable materials from all residential premises be collected once per week. The City's Waste Management Services information confirms that curbside recycling is provided to residents through Waste Management. The franchise-fee provision, Section 50.09(C)(4)(d), dedicates a portion of the franchise fee to city beautification and recycling programs, and Section 50.04(C)(10) directs the Sanitation Officer to annually study the quality of collection and recycling service. The code's compulsory-collection and fee requirements (Section 50.10) apply to the combined trash-and-recycling service. The code does not impose a distinct fine specifically for failing to recycle separate from the general Chapter 50 collection requirements; the chapter's general penalty in Section 50.99 ranges from $25 to $500 per offense. Residents should confirm accepted recyclables and cart details with Waste Management.