Established by the City of Albuquerque in 1948, the Solid Waste Management Department provides a unified, comprehensive solid waste and recycling service for Residential and Commercial customers in the Albuquerque Metropolitan area. Guided by the vision and mission established by the City of Albuquerque, the department is continuously expanding its role to meet the growing needs of the community.

Mayor Martin J. Chavez appointed Leonard E. Garcia in 2005 to direct the Solid Waste Management Department of the City of Albuquerque. Mr. Garcia brings to the city over 20 years of public sector service and experience. Prior to joining the Mayor's Staff, Mr. Garcia served as the Associate Director for the City’s Transit Department.  Mr. Garcia brings a customer service background to the position.  Mr. Garcia was appointed to serve as Acting Director to the Albuquerque Convention Center from December 2001 to February 2004.  Mr. Garcia also has a background in information technology.  He once served as the Albuquerque Police Department’s director of Management information systems. Mr. Garcia holds a bachelors degree in Economics and has completed numerous graduate courses in Public Administration. 

Department Mission Statement

The Solid Waste Management Department Team in its commitment and dedication of ensuring a sustainable, vibrant, and a beautiful Albuquerque, delivers premier solid waste collection, recycling service, anti-graffiti efforts, weed and litter clean up, and related community outreach programs. These services are united, comprehensive and available to City residents, business, and other government agencies. In continuing to meet the needs of a growing community the Department is ever expanding its role for a cleaner environment and researching ways to convert waste to a sustainable resource for the benefit of the public.