Junk removal in Albuquerque: Pickup and Disposal

Choose city pickup, self-hauling or a crew

The city's large-item list includes mattresses, furniture, televisions, stoves, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers and water heaters. No-charge collection applies to residential Solid Waste customers. Request pickup online or through 311 one day before your regular collection day. [1]

Confirm acceptance and placement instructions before moving a heavy item outside. Reach ABQ311 at 311 or 505-768-2000. If you rent or share a building's trash service, ask the property manager which account covers your home and who should arrange collection. [1]

Consider self-hauling if you can load, transport and unload without risking injury. Request indoor removal if you need help with stairs, several rooms or a move-out deadline. Describe the carrying work and each item rather than asking for a price for an unspecified pile.

Understand disposal fees and load limits

Convenience centers accept drop-offs from residents and small commercial customers or haulers. Within that eligibility restriction, the published fee categories distinguish residents and businesses within city limits from those outside. Standard fees are $5 and $12 per load, respectively, plus tax. The business fee categories do not establish eligibility for every business. [2] [3]

The city lists 4x8x2 as one load without stating the measurement units; confirm your load classification before traveling. Larger examples count as multiple loads. Ask the facility how it will classify your load rather than assuming your truck equals one charge. [2]

Convenience centers limit transporting vehicles to a rated capacity under two tons and impose site-specific combined-length limits. Confirm your vehicle and trailer with the destination before setting out. Treat the published disposal fees as one expense when comparing self-hauling with a crew's written total. [2]

Ask each hauler how they measure the quoted load and whether the price includes carrying, loading, transportation, disposal and tax. Send the same photographs and item list to each company. Agree on how you will approve added items or a price increase.

Separate materials before collection

Keep renovation waste separate from household clutter. Convenience centers prohibit construction and demolition debris, including drywall and carpet, along with roofing materials. The city's FAQ lists Southwest Landfill, Rio Rancho Landfill and Sandoval County Landfill as construction-material destinations. Confirm acceptance and charges for your exact materials with the intended facility. [1] [2]

Choose a refrigerator destination before loading. Don Reservoir cannot receive refrigerators. Eagle Rock and Montessa Park allow two appliances with refrigerant intact. Remove food from refrigerators and freezers before disposal, and identify these appliances when requesting a hauling quote. [2]

Set aside accepted household hazardous materials such as paint, cleaners, pesticides and batteries for Safety-Kleen at 2720 Girard NE. Albuquerque and Bernalillo County residents can bring residential hazardous waste there at no charge. Keep each load within both limits: 125 pounds of material and 55 gallons. [4]

The hazardous-waste center excludes business-generated waste, appliances, tires and general electronics, although it lists CRT monitors among accepted items. Businesses, nonprofits and public agencies must use a state-permitted vendor for commercial hazardous waste. Ask about any uncertain item before combining it with your cleanout. [4]

Agree on the work before loading

Photograph each removal area and identify what stays. Include stairs, narrow doorways, gates and the distance to parking. Ask whether the crew will disassemble furniture, carry items from inside and sweep the cleared space. Request proof of insurance and ask how the company handles damage to floors, walls or doors.

For mixed loads, have the crew identify materials they will decline or handle separately. Ask for the planned disposal or recycling destination and a receipt if you want documentation. If you want to donate an item, ask the crew to confirm the receiving organization's acceptance.

Review the item list and final price before the crew starts loading. Mark possessions you want to keep, clear the carrying route and arrange building access. Put the process for approving extra work in writing.

Published standard convenience-center disposal fees

Choose a route for your items

Your hiring checklist

1. List the items and photograph the complete removal area.
2. Confirm city pickup eligibility and placement before moving heavy items.
3. Separate household clutter, renovation debris and hazardous materials.
4. Describe stairs, gates, parking and indoor carrying in quote requests.
5. Ask for a written total and an explanation of load measurement.
6. Confirm disposal destinations and special-item handling.
7. Check drop-off eligibility, hours, documents and vehicle limits before self-hauling.
8. Approve the final scope and price before loading begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a mattress collected at no charge?

The city includes mattresses in its no-charge large-item service for residential Solid Waste customers. Request pickup one day before your regular trash collection day and confirm placement instructions with 311. [1]

Can I take renovation carpet to a convenience center?

Convenience centers prohibit construction and demolition debris, including carpet and drywall. Ask your hauler or intended disposal facility to confirm a suitable destination before loading. [2]

Where can I take an old refrigerator?

Don Reservoir cannot receive refrigerators. Eagle Rock and Montessa Park allow two appliances with refrigerant intact. Remove food from refrigerators and freezers and confirm acceptance before traveling. [2]

How should I compare private removal quotes?

Give each crew the same item list, photographs and access details. Ask for the total covering carrying, loading, transportation, disposal and tax. Agree on pricing and approval for added items before work starts.