Stay Safe with Solid Waste
June 29, 2022
The City of Albuquerque Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) is reminding residents to avoid disposing of hazardous wastes in collection and recycling carts. Loose trash that is not bagged can also catch collection trucks on fire. There have been seven truck fires so far in FY22, two of them this month during the month of June. Thankfully no one has been hurt, but these fires do put the collections driver and residents at risk.
These items should never go into your trash or recycling:
- Flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, oil-based paints, or kerosene
- Hazardous materials including items such as ammonia, bleach, pool chemicals, pesticides, paint thinners, etc.
- Cylinders containing compressed gas such as oxygen, propane, helium, acetylene, or fire extinguishers
- Rechargeable batteries which contain heavy metals including lithium, nickel cadmium, or lead-acid
- Ashes from fireplaces, fire pits, or barbeque grills
Residential hazardous wastes can be taken to the City’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center contractor, ACT (Advanced Chemical Transport) at no charge. ACT is located at 6173 Edith NE and is open to the public on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
As Independence Day approaches, SWMD reminds folks to make dispose of spent fireworks and sparklers properly. Please soak them in a bucket of water before throwing them away. Never dispose of fireworks or sparklers in recycling carts.
To learn more about the proper dispose of hazardous waste, visit www.cabq.gov/solidwaste/household-hazardous-waste