Residential Trash and Recycling

Los Alamos County Environmental Services Department offers several different types of carts. Green Trash ( This includes Bear- Resistant cart), Blue Recycle, and Brown Yard waste roll carts. Each resident with curbside collection service is allowed a maximum of three roll carts. (Descriptions of each are below.)

If you need to request, replace or repair a roll cart - including Bear-resistant carts - select roll cart request button:

Roll Cart Request

All Carts Lid must close

Cart must be set out by 8:00 am Day of Trash Pick up

Green Trash Roll Cart

The trash roll carts with bear-resistant options, comes in two sizes 64 gallon and 96 gallon. Remember no hazardous material, and no ashes.

Blue Recycle Roll Cart

Recycle carts are available in two sizes, 64 gallon and 96 gallon. Each resident with curbside collection service is allowed a maximum of three roll carts.

What can I recycle in the blue recycle roll cart?

(Remember you can also check Recycle Coach for what to place in your blue bin).

Plastics (Resin Codes 1-7)

• Accepted: Water bottles, soda bottles, milk jugs, food packaging, etc. 
• Not accepted: Plastic bags, polystyrene/styrofoam, multi-layer packaging

Paper Recycling

• Accepted: Newspapers, magazines, office paper, cardboard, junk mail
• Not Accepted: Food-soiled paper, paper towels, tissues
• Tips: Flatten cardboard boxes, remove plastic liners from items like cereal boxes

Cans (Aluminum & Steel)

• Accepted: Beverage cans, food cans, aerosol cans (empty)
• Not Accepted: Paint cans, hazardous material containers
• Tips: Rinse before recycling; crushing cans can help save space

The above list is not all inclusive. Please see Recycle Coach for more information on specific items.

Brown Yard Trimming Roll Cart

The yard trimming roll cart is for organic yard trimmings only, which includes short branches, flowers, grass clippings, leaves, pine needles and pine cones. Limit of 1 yard trimming roll cart per household.

• Accepted: Organic yard trimmings only, Branches must not exceed 36" length and 4" diameter, Include flowers, grass clippings, leaves, pine needles and pine cones, Paper bags are okay to use and place in your yard trimming cart ( but not required)
• Not Acceptable: Trash, Plastic bags, Animal waste, Treated wood, Lumber, Railroad ties, Construction debris, Tree stumps, Ash Concrete, Dirt or Rocks, Overfilled carts, Bottles, metals and plastics

History of program(PDF, 81KB)

If you are physically unable to take your roll-carts to the curb and would like to apply for assistance, please review and download the Assisted Refuse and Recycle Form(PDF, 36KB).

Submit completed forms by:

Bringing or mailing them to the Eco Station at 3701 E. Jemez Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544

Faxing to (505)662-8051

E-mailing to solidwaste@lacnm.us 

Bulk Item Collection Program:

Paid bulk item collection program is available to all Los Alamos County residents for the purpose of collecting and properly disposing large, bulky items not normally collected in your trash roll cart.

Collection Frequency:

Bulky items are collected approximately every other week on Wednesday’s, alternating between Los Alamos and White Rock.

Acceptable Items:

Washers, dryers, ranges, dishwashers, microwave ovens, water heaters, bathtubs, toilets, mattresses, furniture, bicycles, carpet, doors, swing sets, lawn mowers (fluids must be drained), lawn furniture, bed frames, cabinets, bicycles, and tree limbs and stumps no larger than 8 inches in diameter.

Register:

Register by calling the Eco Station at 505-662-8163 or email: solidwaste@lacnm.us

All fees will be charged to your monthly utility bill. Non-existing account holders are required to prepay.

Program Requirements/Guidelines:

• Registration is required. Collections will not be made without an appointment to set up a scheduled day for collection.
• Fee: $37.75 per household (non-refundable).
• Bulky item piles are limited to eight (8) cubic yards(JPG, 269KB) or an eight (8) cubic pile(JPG, 343KB). Items must meet guidelines for large item collection. Debris amounts in excess of standardized size will not be removed.
• Normal household trash will not be removed.
• Set out bulky items no later than 8:00 a.m. on your scheduled day.
• Place bulky item piles within four (4) feet of the curb. Do not block side walk.
• Do not place bulky item piles in front of parked cars, near fences, trees, mailboxes, beneath overhead wires, low-hanging tree limbs, or on top of water meters.
• Secure or remove doors on any items that may pose a safety hazard to small children.
• Do not place items curbside prior to 48 hours before the scheduled day.
• The cleanup contractor uses two-person crews to load the trucks, so any one item should not weigh more than two people can lift.
• Oversize items must be disassembled to six (6) feet or less.

Unacceptable Items:

Household waste which would be picked up with normal weekly trash service, appliances containing Freon such as refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners, pesticides, paint, commercial waste, car bodies, televisions, computer monitors, tires, concrete, soil or sod, tree stumps larger than 8 inches in diameter, shrubs, grass clippings, sealed containers or drums, bricks, batteries, corrosives, flammable or combustible liquids, or any items listed as a hazardous material, asbestos containing materials, biohazardous materials.

Alternative Disposal Options:

• Bring your materials to the Eco Station – each resident with curbside trash service has 12 free loads annually.
• Rent a roll-off container for construction and demolition projects, call the Eco Station 505-662-8163.
• Call local charitable organizations or thrift shops and ask if they have a need for the item in concern.

Per Code Enforcement:

Residents will be in violation of Los Alamos County Code Chapter 18 if any of the conditions below are demonstrated:

• Pile is set out when you are not scheduled to receive collection.
• Pile contains non-accepted material.
• Pile is obstructed by obstacles.
• Pile is set out after designated pickup date

Reminders:

All leaves and pine needles should be placed in paper yard waste bags

If you have any questions, please call 505-662-8163 or email: solidwaste@lacnm.us 

Glass

Yellow Dumpster - What can I recycle in the yellow dumpsters?

Glass bottles and jars are the only items allowed in the glass dumpster. Items not allowed light bulbs, windows and mirrors, drinking glasses, plate glass, ceramics, lids, plastic bags and cardboard bottle holders.

Yellow Dumpster Locations:

Yellow Dumpster (Glass collection is drop-off only, with yellow recycling dumpsters located at Lemon Lot, the Los Alamos Co-op Market, Overlook Convenience Center and Eco Station. 

E-Waste

What is E-Waste

• A device that uses electrical energy to process, control, or manipulate information.

• A device that contains complex circuits with components like transistors, diodes, and microchips.

• Examples: Computers, smartphones, televisions, and radios.

Drop off location:

Eco Station - 3701 East Jemez Rd

Mixed Recycle

What is Mixed Recycling?

Mixed recycling means that all accepted recyclables are collected together, with no need to separate by material type. Mixed recycling, also referred to as single-stream recycling, is easy and convenient making it ideal for residential collection. Mixed recycling is sent to BARCo. Recycling in Albuquerque where the material is separated and baled before being made into new products.

Mixed Recycle Dumpster Locations

Recycling dumpsters located at Lemon Lot, Overlook Convenience Center and Eco Station.

Flattened Cardboard Dumpster Locations

Cardboard recycling dumpsters located at Lemon Lot, the Los Alamos County Muni Building, County Fire Stations 2, 3, 4, and 6, Overlook Convenience Center and Eco Station.

IMPORTANT

Los Alamos County does not accept asbestos-containing materials at the Eco Station or Overlook Convenience Center. This guide is intended to help homeowners understand the disposal options available for small amounts of suspected asbestos-containing materials (ACM). If you are uncertain whether a material contains asbestos, avoid disturbing it until it has been properly identified.

1. Contact the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED)

The NMED Solid Waste Bureau is the best source for current information on asbestos regulations, packaging requirements, transportation, and approved disposal facilities.

505-827-0197

2. Transport and dispose of the material yourself

New Mexico does not prohibit homeowners from transporting asbestos generated from their own residence; however, homeowners are responsible for complying with landfill requirements and safe handling practices. Before transporting:

• Contact the receiving landfill to verify acceptance, fees, appointments, and paperwork.
• Keep material wet when appropriate.
• Double-bag or wrap material in leak-tight 6-mil plastic and seal all seams with tape.
• Transport in an enclosed vehicle or securely covered trailer.
• Do not break, crush, sand, drill, or saw asbestos-containing materials.
• Keep non-friable materials such as floor tile, cement siding, roofing, and transite pipe intact whenever possible.

3. Dispose at a permitted asbestos landfill

Always call the landfill before transporting material. Individual facilities may have different acceptance policies, operating hours, packaging requirements, and disposal fees.

4. Hire a licensed asbestos contractor

If you prefer not to transport asbestos yourself, licensed asbestos contractors can package, transport, and dispose of homeowner-generated asbestos. Examples serving northern New Mexico include NM Abatement LLC, Asbestos Experts, Southwest Abatement Inc., and AAA Restoration & Construction Services. Contact the contractor directly to discuss the material, quantity, scheduling, and pricing.

5. Asbestos testing and inspection resources

If you suspect a material in your home may contain asbestos, consider having it evaluated before disturbing or removing it. An accredited asbestos inspector or qualified environmental consultant can assist with inspection, sampling, and testing.

The following New Mexico providers offer asbestos inspection, testing, or related environmental services:

Before scheduling services, residents should confirm that the provider serves Los Alamos County, that the individual performing the inspection has current asbestos inspector accreditation, and that samples are analyzed by an appropriately accredited laboratory.

PLEASE NOTE: The providers listed above are included for informational purposes only. Los Alamos County does not endorse or recommend any specific company or service provider. Residents are responsible for confirming credentials, services, availability, and fees directly with the provider.

Asbestos-related frequently asked questions

Can I throw asbestos in my household trash?

No. Asbestos-containing materials should never be placed in household trash, dumpsters, roll carts, or recycling containers.

Should I have the material tested?

If you are unsure whether a material contains asbestos, testing before disturbing it is strongly recommended.

Is all asbestos dangerous?

Materials that are intact and non-friable generally present less risk than materials that are damaged or crumbling. Disturbing asbestos can release fibers into the air.

Should I call before driving to a landfill?

Yes. Always contact the landfill before transporting asbestos to confirm they will accept the material and to learn their current requirements.

Important Reminders

• Never burn asbestos-containing materials.
• Keep asbestos waste sealed during transport.
• Follow all instructions provided by the receiving landfill.
• Contact NMED if you have questions about handling or disposal requirements.

DISCLAIMER This document is provided by Los Alamos County Environmental Services as general guidance only. It is not a substitute for federal, state, or local regulations. Property owners are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and disposal facility requirements.

Prescription Drug Disposal

Citizens may dispose of their unused and unwanted prescription medication in the drug collection box in the front lobby of the Los Alamos Police Station at 2500 Trinity Dr. The box is under 24-hour surveillance.

National Drug Take Back Events occur annually in April and October. The drop-off collection at the Police Station is for pills only. No sharps, liquids, aerosols, ointments or creams are accepted. Household generated sharps can be brought to the Eco Station House for proper disposal. The Eco Station cannot accept any other type of pharmaceutical waste.

For more information call 505-662-8163 or email solidwaste@lacnm.us

A Free Load is defined as the disposal of residential non-hazardous solid waste without a tip or service fee. Free Loads only apply to residential customers participating in roll-cart curbside collection services.

Beginning each calendar year on January 1, twelve (12) Free Loads are allotted to each eligible residential customer/address. Unused Free Loads do not roll over from year-to-year.

Free Loads are accepted at the Eco Station and Overlook Convenience Center. However, certain restrictions apply for disposal of items at the Overlook Convenience Center as noted in Paragraph E(2) and E(3) below and as posted at the facility.

Industrial and Commercial Businesses, tenants of Apartment Complexes, and residents of Condos that utilize commercial collection services (i.e. dumpsters and roll-off containers) are not eligible to participate in the Free Load program.

For additional details refer to our Free Load Guide(PDF, 216KB).

To allow others, including tenants or hired contractors, to transport and dispose of acceptable materials on the eligible customer’s behalf, please use the Temporary Free Load Authorization(PDF, 115KB) form.

See the Transfer Station Fees for additional loads after using the 12 allotted visits.

Help your local Thrift Shop, donate one of your free loads.

Complete the donate a free load to a thrift store here -Thrift Store Donation Form(PDF, 138KB)

Per County Code (Sec. 32-18.c.3) residents may donate one of their 12 free loads each year to a thrift store that operates in Los Alamos County and accepts, recycles and reuses materials from residents.

Los Alamos County Environmental Services Fees

Effective July 1, 2026.

Residential Curbside Collection Charges