Albuquerque Expands Recycling Requirements for Multifamily Properties: What Owners Need to Know

Albuquerque Expands Recycling Requirements for Multifamily Properties: What Owners Need to Know

New recycling requirements for Albuquerque multifamily properties are scheduled to be implemented by January 1, 2027. Property owners and managers should begin reviewing their current recycling services to determine whether changes will be necessary to comply with the new ordinance.

On September 9, 2026, the Albuquerque City Council approved Ordinance O-26-46, amending the City's Municipal Solid Waste Ordinance to expand recycling access for residents of multifamily housing communities.

Previously, multifamily properties with fewer than 25 units were not required to provide recycling services. The new ordinance eliminates that exemption and establishes additional requirements for larger apartment communities.

What Is Changing?

Under the new ordinance, recycling requirements will apply to multifamily properties throughout Albuquerque, regardless of the number of units.

Properties with fewer than 25 units: Owners and responsible parties will be required to establish a recycling collection program and ensure residents have access to recycling services.

Properties with 25 or more units: These communities must continue providing recycling services but will also be required to ensure recycling containers are physically accessible to residents. Simply paying the City's recycling collection fee will no longer satisfy the requirements.

The City of Albuquerque will serve as the collection agent for these recycling programs.

Hardship Exemptions for Existing Properties

Recognizing that some older properties may face physical limitations, the ordinance establishes a hardship exemption process for properties that existed before the ordinance's effective date.

Exemptions may be considered when physical or structural conditions make on-site recycling container placement infeasible. Examples include:

• Insufficient space for recycling containers.

• Collection areas that cannot be made accessible without substantial structural modifications.

• Inadequate alley or street access for City collection vehicles.

Financial cost alone is not sufficient grounds for an exemption.

Property owners seeking an exemption must submit a written application to the Mayor within 90 days of the ordinance's effective date. The City must issue a written determination within 60 days of receiving the application.

Approved exemptions are subject to review every five years and expire upon sale or transfer of the property, a change in use, or substantial renovation.

Properties receiving exemptions must continue paying applicable recycling collection fees and provide residents with written information about the nearest City recycling drop-off location within 15 days of approval and at least annually thereafter.

What About Recycling Fees?

The ordinance maintains the requirement that monthly recycling collection fees be calculated using the residential recycling fee multiplied by the number of units, regardless of occupancy.

Owners should account for these costs when reviewing operating budgets, particularly at smaller properties that previously were not required to establish recycling programs.

When Do the New Requirements Begin?

The ordinance directs the City to implement the expanded multifamily recycling requirements by January 1, 2027.

With implementation approaching, property owners and managers should begin preparing now.

Steps Property Owners Should Consider

To prepare for the new requirements, AANM encourages affected property owners and managers to:

1. Review existing recycling services. Determine whether the property currently provides recycling collection and whether containers are accessible to residents.

2. Evaluate available space. Identify suitable locations for recycling containers, considering access for residents and collection vehicles.

3. Contact the City's Solid Waste Management Department. Confirm collection arrangements, container requirements, applicable fees, and implementation procedures.

4. Evaluate potential hardships. Owners of existing properties with significant physical limitations should review the exemption criteria and application requirements.

5. Communicate with residents. Provide information about recycling locations, accepted materials, and proper disposal practices.

Additional Information: Property owners can review the full ordinance, O-26-46, through the Albuquerque City Council's legislative website.