Top 10 Items You Didn’t Know You Could Recycle in New Mexico
♻️ Top 10 Items You Didn’t Know You Could Recycle in New Mexico
When most people think “recycling,” they think of paper, plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and cardboard. But did you know there are many less obvious items that can also be recycled in New Mexico — if you know where to take them?
Here are 10 items you probably didn’t know you can recycle (or should) — plus tips on how and where to drop them off in NM.
1. Electronic Waste (E‑Waste)
Things like old TVs, computers, laptops, printers, and cellphones often contain valuable metals and components. But you can’t put them in your curbside bin — they need to go to e-waste drop-off centers.
In Santa Fe, the Buckman Road Recycling & Transfer Station handles e-waste and HHW (Household Hazardous Waste) items. Santa Fe NM
Many municipalities list e-waste drop-offs separately from regular recycling. Santa Fe NM+1
2. Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
Items like paints, solvents, pesticides, fluorescent bulbs, and motor oil are not safe in the trash or recycling bin.
The City of Santa Fe accepts HHW at Buckman Road on designated days. Santa Fe NM
Albuquerque also disallows disposal of hazardous items in trash carts and has drop-off centers for those. City of Albuquerque
3. Plastic Bags & Flexible Plastics
Yes — many grocery stores and big box retailers have plastic bag recycling bins for things like grocery bags, bread bags, produce bags, and newspaper sleeves.
Santa Fe allows drop-off of many types of plastic bags at stores. sfswma.org
Always check the store’s bin — not all bags are accepted.
4. Rigid Plastics Beyond Bottles
Things like plastic toys, laundry baskets, tubs, and rigid (#1-#7) plastic containers may be accepted in your local recycling program.
Albuquerque accepts rigid plastics, including toys and tubs. City of Albuquerque+1
Santa Fe’s recycling also states “all plastic containers regardless of number” are recyclable (minus some exclusions). sfswma.org+1
5. Appliances with Refrigerant
Refrigerators, air conditioners, dehumidifiers — these often contain refrigerants which need to be handled properly. Many transfer stations or appliance recyclers will take them and safely remove refrigerants.
Santa Fe’s special waste program lists refrigerant-containing appliances in its “Special Waste” disposal lists. Santa Fe NM
6. Motor Oil & Automotive Fluids
Used oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, etc. can be recycled (not disposed with trash). Most auto parts stores or city HHW centers accept these.
Santa Fe lists used motor oil among its special waste drop-off items. Santa Fe NM
Albuquerque’s city web pages mention that hazardous waste (which includes auto products) is prohibited in normal trash and must go to special disposal centers. City of Albuquerque+1
7. Car Batteries & Rechargeables
Lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion laptop batteries, and rechargeable AA/AAA packs can often be dropped off at auto part stores, recycling centers, or special waste sites.
Santa Fe lists car batteries and rechargeable batteries under its special waste drop-off rules. Santa Fe NM
8. Furniture, Textiles & Clothing
While not always “recycled” in the traditional sense, many local charities, thrift stores, and reuse organizations accept furniture and clothing in good condition. That avoids landfill and gives these items a second life.
Many people think “junk” but usable sofas, chairs, and clothes often find new homes via recycling/charity.
9. Construction Materials
Items like metal scraps, concrete chunks, tile, brick, etc. can be recycled or crushed for reuse in some recycling yards or construction recycling facilities (depending on local infrastructure).
In “Throw It or Recycle? What You Can Recycle in New Mexico,” construction debris is mentioned as something that often needs special handling or may go to different facilities. paylessrolloff.com
10. Green Waste (Yard Debris, Leaves, Wood)
Many counties and cities accept yard waste separately — which can be composted or mulched instead of going to landfill.
Santa Fe allows green waste under its recycling programs (though rules vary). sfswma.org
Always check your local county or city drop-off policies for yard waste sorting.
📌 Tips for Recycling More in NM & Avoiding Mistakes
Empty, clean & dry recyclables — contamination ruins batches. New Mexico Recycling Coalition+1
Don’t bag recyclables — place loose in bins unless your area requires otherwise.
Use Recycle Coach or local resources to check “what’s accepted” in your ZIP code. Albuquerque recommends using a “Recycle Coach” app to see accepted materials. City of Albuquerque
Avoid “wishcycling” — putting items you hope will be accepted but aren’t. That often leads to contamination. Wikipedia
