Albuquerque Trash Schedule 2026 (Holidays, Recycling & Large Item Pickup)
Managing household waste in Albuquerque becomes easy when you clearly understand how the city trash system works. This guide explains the Albuquerque trash schedule for 2026 in a simple and practical way. It covers solid trash pickup, recycling services, bulk trash collection, and holiday schedule changes so residents can follow one reliable reference throughout the year.
The City of Albuquerque provides weekly residential trash service to most single family homes and small multi family properties. Services are managed by the city Solid Waste Management Department and operate on fixed weekly schedules depending on your address.
How Trash Collection Works in Albuquerque
Residential trash service in Albuquerque is based on a designated weekday assigned to each neighborhood. Trash and recycling are collected on the same day for most homes.
Residents are required to place their carts at the curb by 7 am on their scheduled collection day. Carts should be placed with the wheels facing the house and the opening facing the street. There must be enough space around the cart so the collection truck can safely lift it.
Carts should be removed from the curb after collection on the same day. Leaving carts out longer than allowed may result in warnings or service issues.
If trash is missed, residents can report it using the city service request system or by calling 311.
Solid Trash Schedule 2026
Solid trash refers to everyday household waste that cannot be recycled or composted. This includes bagged garbage, food waste placed in trash bags, packaging, and broken household items that fit inside the trash cart.
For 2026, solid trash is collected once every week on your assigned weekday.
Your exact trash day depends on your address. Albuquerque does not use a citywide trash day. Instead, routes are divided by neighborhood.
Residents can confirm their assigned day by entering their address on the city trash collection page
https://www.cabq.gov/solidwaste/trash-collection
Trash must fit completely inside the cart with the lid fully closed. Extra trash placed outside the cart may not be collected unless special arrangements are made.
Recycling Schedule 2026
Recycling in Albuquerque is collected weekly and usually on the same day as trash pickup.
Accepted recycling materials generally include paper, cardboard, plastic containers, metal cans, and glass bottles. All recyclable items must be clean and placed loose inside the recycling cart. Plastic bags are not allowed inside recycling carts.
Recycling carts follow the same placement rules as trash carts. They must be at the curb by 7 am and positioned correctly for automated collection.
If recycling is missed, residents can report the issue through the city service system or by calling 311.
For full recycling rules and accepted materials, residents should review the city recycling information page
https://www.cabq.gov/solidwaste/recycling
Bulk Trash Schedule 2026
Bulk trash includes large household items that do not fit inside regular trash carts. This service helps residents dispose of oversized items safely and legally.
Common bulk items include furniture, mattresses, appliances, and large household goods.
In Albuquerque, residents must request bulk item pickup in advance. Bulk trash is not collected automatically.
To schedule a bulk pickup, residents must contact the city through ABQ311 either online or by phone. Requests should be submitted before placing items at the curb.
Bulk items must be placed at the curb on the approved pickup date only. Items should be separated from regular trash and recycling carts and placed where collection crews can easily access them.
Hazardous waste, construction debris, and automotive parts are not accepted through bulk trash pickup.
Holiday Trash Schedule 2026
Trash and recycling services in Albuquerque are affected by certain city observed holidays.
In 2026, trash and recycling collection is delayed by one day when the following holidays are observed on a weekday
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
New Year Day
When a holiday occurs, all collection days for the remainder of that week shift forward by one day. For example, if your normal pickup day is Thursday and Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, your trash will be collected on Friday instead.
If a holiday falls on a weekend, regular weekday trash collection usually continues without changes. Residents should still verify holiday schedules before major holidays.
The official holiday schedule is published by the city and should be checked each year
https://www.cabq.gov/solidwaste/trash-collection/solid-waste-holiday-schedule
Missed Pickup and Service Issues
If trash or recycling is not collected on your scheduled day, residents should report the issue as soon as possible. Most missed pickups are resolved within one business day.
Residents can request service through ABQ311 or the city website. Reporting issues quickly helps the Solid Waste Department maintain efficient routes.
Damaged or missing carts can also be reported through the same system.
Important Tips for Albuquerque Residents
Place carts at the curb before 7 am
Do not overfill carts
Keep carts clear of vehicles and obstacles
Remove carts after collection
Check holiday schedules before major holidays
Schedule bulk pickups before placing items outside