Valencia County, NM Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 50.10(B)
- Banned items
- Grass, tree clippings, pine needles, leaves, weeds
- Approved disposal
- On-site, or an approved solid waste facility
- Burning
- Requires Fire Marshal permit (§ 50.08(F))
- Self-fill exemption
- Own-property fill use allowed (§ 50.25(A))
- Penalty
- Up to $300/day (§ 50.99(C)(3))
Summary
Unincorporated Valencia County bars grass clippings, tree trimmings, pine needles, leaves and cut weeds from solid waste containers under Code § 50.10(B). Residents must compost or dispose of yard waste on-site, haul it to an approved solid waste facility, or follow other applicable law, all at their own expense; burning it requires a Fire Marshal permit.
(F) No garbage, solid waste, or debris shall be burned within the county. Fire permits may be obtained from the County Fire Marshal's office for certain types of yard refuse. ... (B) No yard waste, including grass and tree clippings, pine needles, leaves and cut weeds, shall be placed in solid waste containers. Such waste shall be disposed on the site on which it is generated, or in an approved solid waste facility, or in accordance with any applicable county, state and federal laws or regulations, at the expense of the person accumulating such waste.
Full Breakdown
10 of the Valencia County Code, part of Chapter 50's solid waste rules for the unincorporated county, separately bans two categories from residential and commercial containers: hazardous materials under division (A) and yard waste under division (B). Division (B) names the specific yard waste barred from carts: grass and tree clippings, pine needles, leaves and cut weeds. None of it may go curbside; instead it must be disposed on the site on which it is generated, or in an approved solid waste facility, or in accordance with any applicable county, state and federal laws or regulations, at the generator's expense.
08(F) addresses the common alternative of burning: no garbage, solid waste, or debris shall be burned within the county, but fire permits may be obtained from the County Fire Marshal's office for certain types of yard refuse, meaning open burning of brush or clippings needs a permit from the Fire Marshal rather than being automatic. 25(A) also exempts a property owner who disposes of yard waste generated on their own property for fill purposes, so long as the method does not violate other law or create a nuisance. 16(C).
Violations & Fines
Placing grass clippings, leaves, pine needles or cut weeds in a county-serviced solid waste cart violates § 50.10(B). The chapter's catch-all penalty at § 50.99(C)(3) applies: a petty misdemeanor with a fine of up to $300 per day the violation continues, or up to 90 days in jail under § 50.99(C). Burning yard debris without a Fire Marshal permit separately violates § 50.08(F).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put grass clippings in my county trash cart in Valencia County?
Can I burn yard waste instead of hauling it away?
Is there an exception for using yard waste as fill on my own land?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Valencia County
Compare Valencia County to another location·View the New Mexico trash & recycling overview
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