Santa Fe, NM Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)

Section 21-6 governs refuse diversion and recycling, with the city committed under Section 21-6.1 to promote waste reduction and diversion 'to the maximum extent possible,' including collecting recyclables from residential and nonresidential sources. Section 21-4.3(C) requires residential automated recycling customers to place all acceptable materials within the automated container, but bars food and beverage glass and a specific list of non-recyclables: ceramics, Pyrex, plate glass, light bulbs, drinking glasses, clothing, electronics, green waste, Styrofoam, food waste, food-contaminated materials, plastic bags, municipal solid waste, sharps, hazardous containers and construction and demolition waste.

All food and beverage glass must instead go to designated drop-off locations, which the city is required to identify, publicize and periodically update under Section 21-6.2(B). Recycling containers must be clearly identified and distinguishable from refuse containers (Section 21-6.2(C)), placed at least three feet from refuse containers and bags at the curb (Section 21-6.2(E)), and stored so as not to create a nuisance or public health condition before collection (Section 21-6.2(D)). Commercial customers follow a parallel rule under Section 21-6.2(G): all acceptable materials may be mixed in a rolling automated container or dumpster except glass and the same non-recyclable list, while commercial glass recycling under subsection H requires food and beverage glass to go into a dedicated 64-gallon rolling container.