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

Section 9-10-1-6(A) sets the baseline rule: refuse, ashes and recyclable material must each be placed and maintained in separate containers if the Mayor requires it, which is how Albuquerque keeps commingled recycling out of the general trash stream. Section 9-10-1-6(E)(1) then governs single-family homes, mobile homes and small multi-family properties of eight or fewer units. An automated collection cart may not exceed 150 pounds when full, and all refuse or recyclable material must be secured with the lid closed so nothing spills, blows or scatters during collection.

In areas served by manual collection instead of automated carts, recyclable materials must be properly bundled, packaged and placed at the curb for collection as the Mayor determines, while plastic trash bags used for manual pickup are capped at 40 pounds, and tree trimmings or similar bundlable refuse must be tied in bundles no more than four feet long, two feet in diameter and 40 pounds. on the scheduled day; a resident whose cart is blocked from view or set out late must hold the material until the next pickup or pay an added fee.

Section 9-10-1-6(E)(3) requires the cart or bag to sit in the gutter with wheels against the curb, clear of mailboxes, trees, fences, other carts and vehicles, and it must never sit on the sidewalk. Automated carts remain city property assigned to a specific address under Section 9-10-1-6(E)(6) and cannot be altered, and Section 9-10-1-6(E)(4) requires carts to be pulled back from the curb within 24 hours of pickup.