Blog Layout

Throw It or Recycle? What You Can't and Can Recycle in New Mexico

Jul 14, 2021
We all want to do our part to reduce waste and protect the environment - which is why the national recycling rate has reached over 34% and continues to rise! But it's not enough to commit to recycling at home or at work. You need to know what you can recycle and what should be thrown away.

Areas of New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Albuquerque, El Paso, and Santa Fe are increasing their efforts to recycle. And if you live in one of those areas you can be part of the recycling revolution!

Read below for a comprehensive guide on recycling rules in New Mexico.

Basic Recycling Guidelines New Mexico

Did you know that different cities in New Mexico have different recycling guidelines? Things you can recycle in Santa Fe or Albuquerque you may not be able to recycle in Las Cruces.

However, there are some items that can be recycled no matter where you are in the state - so let's start by reviewing the items that you can recycle anywhere in the state.

Paper

You can recycle almost every type of paper in New Mexico. Examples of recyclable paper include:
  • Printer paper/office paper
  • Newspaper 
  • Colored construction paper
  • Cardboard
  • Magazines
  • Phone books
  • Paperboard
There are a few types of paper that you can not recycle. These include:
  • Paper with food waste (including pizza boxes)
  • Paper towels
  • Tissues
  • Laminated paper
  • Treated paper (paper coated in another material)
Any type of paper that is dirty or contaminated should be thrown away instead of recycled. However, some of your soiled paper products can be composted. 

Plastic

All plastic products are given a number to indicate what type of plastic it's made from. There are seven types of recyclable plastics. Plastic containers labeled numbers one through seven can be recycled.

Here are a few examples of plastic containers that can be recycled regardless of where you live:
  • Water bottles
  • Milk jugs
  • Laundry detergent containers
  • Condiment containers
Be sure to rinse or clean plastic containers before recycling them. Here are a few plastic items that you can not recycle:
  • Plastic bags
  • Motor oil containers
  • Pesticide containers
Metal/Glass

Most glass containers like jars and bottles can be recycled. Dark and light glass is recyclable. You cannot recycle light bulbs, ceramic glass, or glass windows.

If you are working on a construction project or home renovation and need to get rid of glass windows or other construction materials, consider renting a dumpster. You can use it to dispose of large and small items from your project while saving yourself time and money.

As for metal items, you can recycle aluminum cans or tin cans. You can also recycle foil items if you rinse or clean them first.

What to Recycle in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Waste Management in Albuquerque provides containers for recycling. In those containers, you can recycle paper, plastic, and metal. Unlike other areas of New Mexico, in Albuquerque, you can recycle small electronics, small appliances, and pots and pans.

Here is a full list of what you can recycle in Albuquerque:

Paper
  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • Mail
  • Office/printer paper
  • Cereal boxes
  • Juice boxes
  • Books
  • Paper bags
  • Cardboard egg cartons
Plastic
  • #1 - #7 Plastics 
  • Hard plastics (i.e, toys)
Metal
  • Aluminum cans (soda/beer cans)
  • Tin cans
  • Foil pans
  • Small electronics
  • Pots and pans
  • Small appliances
Anything else you want to get rid of is considered waste. If you have a large amount of waste to dispose of you can rent a dumpster for your home. Below is a list of items you can not recycle in Albuquerque:
  • Yard waste
  • Wood
  • Pizza boxes
  • Glass
  • Hazardous waste
  • Hoses/cords
  • Batteries
  • Light bulbs
  • Motor oil containers
  • Styrofoam
  • TVs/computers
  • Plastic bags
Following recycling guidelines will help the city make the most out of the recycling program. They can take recycled objects and transform them into other usable items!

What to Recycle in Santa Fe

Santa Fe also has unique recycling guidelines. You can recycle electronic waste, household hazardous waste, and green waste, but not in your regular recycling bin. Take a look at the Santa Fe recycling website to find out where to recycle e-waste and other items that don't meet residential recycling guidelines.

In Santa Fe, you can recycle all mixed paper items including cardboard, shredded paper, books, newspapers, and paper bags. You can also recycle all plastic containers regardless of their number. Do not recycle plastic containers that have hazardous waste or toxins like paint or motor oil.

Santa Fe recycles glass separately from paper and plastic products. You should put your glass recycling in the "glass-only" container. Do not mix glass items with your other recycling or your waste.

Where to Recycle in New Mexico

The New Mexico Recycling Coalition wants to reduce waste and improve recycling throughout the state. Waste Management is a company that provides garbage and recycling services all over the country.

Waste Management serves the following cities:
  • Albuquerque
  • Artesia
  • Carlsbad
  • Farmington
  • Gallup
  • Hobbs
  • Los Lunas
  • Rio Rancho
  • Roswell
If you live in one of those cities, you can contact Waste Management directly. If you are looking for specialty recycling centers for e-waste, yard waste, or green waste, look online for the nearest center.

If you don't live in one of the cities mentioned above, you can still recycle! Find recycling centers near you to find out where you can drop off your recyclables.

Waste Removal

If you've read through this list and have items that cannot be recycled you can still dispose of them in your trash. And for larger items, construction waste, or big cleaning projects, find an affordable dumpster rental near you. 

You Can Recycle in New Mexico!

Hopefully, you found this recycling guide useful. Remember to rinse and dry items as much as possible before recycling them. You can help New Mexico reach its recycling goal by following the recycling rules and disposing of things correctly.

Need a dumpster rental estimate? No problem! Contact us today online for your construction or residential dumpster needs.

Dump your trash not your CASH!

Reliable service at the lowest prices. Don't believe us? Give us a call!
Share by: