Bernalillo County, NM Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 70-42(f), Accumulation for recycling
- Right-of-way
- Collection points barred from public right-of-way
- Registration
- Must register/permit with NMED
- Household rule
- Separate container for recyclables (§ 70-36(a))
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, separate offense each day
Summary
In unincorporated Bernalillo County, anyone who sets up a recyclable-materials collection point must keep it off the public right-of-way, screen it from view, and register it with the New Mexico Environment Department as a recycling facility.
(f)Accumulation for recycling. Notwithstanding other provisions of this article, any person may accumulate and collect recyclable materials for the purpose of recycling it, provided that any collection point:(1)Conforms to zoning articles and regulations;(2)Is not on public right-of-way;(3)Is constructed so that the rubbish is contained at the collection point in compliance with subsection (c) above;(4)Is shielded from public view; and(5)Is registered with or permitted by NMED as a recycling facility.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 92).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 70-42(f) lets any person accumulate recyclable materials for recycling, but the collection point must conform to the zoning ordinance, sit off any public right-of-way, contain the material so it doesn't scatter, be shielded from public view, and be registered or permitted by NMED as a recycling facility. Households in mandatory collection areas must also keep recyclables in a separate container from garbage under § 70-36(a). This chapter governs only unincorporated Bernalillo County. Albuquerque, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque and Tijeras run their own trash and recycling programs.
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision of the solid waste article is a misdemeanor under § 70-44, punishable up to the maximum penalty allowed by state statute, with each day of continued violation treated as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bernalillo County require households to recycle?
Can I set up a neighborhood recycling drop-off point?
Does this rule apply inside Albuquerque?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bernalillo County
Compare Bernalillo County to another location·View the New Mexico trash & recycling overview
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