The Solid Waste Management Department is committed to getting the message out that every member of the community, including its children, shares the responsiblity for environmentally-sound waste management. The department provides education outreach to public schools as well as community groups and individuals interested in learning about recycling and responsible waste disposal. Find out about how we can all help the environment by reusing, reducing, and recycling our trash. Read below for more information, or call the Solid Waste Management Department at (505) 761-8100.

Recycling Education

Classroom and community presentations on the City of Albuquerque's recycling and trash disposal programs are available. Presentations last approximately one hour. Topics include waste prevention, source reduction, yard waste recycling, safe disposal of hazardous waste, and Albuquerque's Environmental Story. To schedule a presentation, call (505) 761-8334.

Keep Albuquerque Beautiful

The City of Albuquerque's Keep Albuquerque Beautiful is dedicated to preserving Albuquerque's natural beauty and environment at the community level. K.A.B. coordinates litter clean-up, beautification, and recycling events and provides classroom presentations and teacher training on source reduction, recycling, waste-to-energy, and other waste management topics.

Facilities Tours

During the spring, summer, and fall months, free tours of Albuquerque's modern Cerro Colorado Landfill and recycling facility are available to community organizations, school groups, and interested individuals. The landfill is located 18 miles southwest of downtown Albuquerque in the Rio Puerco Valley. Bus transportation is free but limited to 35 people. Normally the tour departs from a school or community center at 9:00 a.m. and returns at about 11:30 a.m., but times can be adjusted. For further information, call (505) 761-8334.

Albuquerque's Environmental Story

Albuquerque's Environmental Story: Toward A Sustainable Community is a valuable educational resource in book, multimedia, and online format. Used for two decades as an introduction to Albuquerque's unique environment and an education tool, it gives young people the knowledge base to understand and care for our city's  natural, built, and human environments.

Get involved!

Find out about volunteer opportunities coordinated through the Solid Waste Management Department.