Albuquerque launches pilot program to change residential recycling collection

The City of Albuquerque began a trial shifting residential recycle pickups to an every-other-week schedule this week. The municipal project tests collection changes to cut truck trips and lower harmful vehicle emissions across the metro. Officials aim to make local neighborhoods cleaner and greener through adjusted waste routes.

Local residents currently recycle by visiting nine drop-off locations or placing bins at the curb. Municipal leaders are reviewing the curbside pickup process.

About 60% to 75% of households put carts out weekly, CABQ Solid Waste Department Public Information Officer Alex Bukoski said. Only 20% of those containers reach full capacity.

The updated schedule cuts unnecessary driving for municipal collection trucks. City officials selected more than 6,500 households across Albuquerque to participate.

“Our entire goal is that we want to reduce emissions. We know right now that our trucks aren’t coming to dump at our material recovery facility completely full.”

Bukoski said trucks sometimes arrive only 40% full. Staff notified all participating households about the adjusted route timetables.

Inspectors will monitor how full containers get. They will also verify whether residents place correct materials into bins.

The municipal government plans to collect direct feedback from participating households. Community satisfaction remains a priority for planners.

City of Albuquerque Sustainability Officer Ann Simon said officials will evaluate truck volume data and bin contents. Simon said staff must ensure residents feel comfortable with the pickup changes.

The Solid Waste Department manages residential trash pickup, curbside sorting routes, and neighborhood drop-off centers. Municipal testing initiatives allow local agencies to gather neighborhood feedback before altering public utility operations.

Officials may expand the schedule citywide. The final choice depends on resident responses.