Albuquerque Dump Fees & Landfill Guide for Junk Removal Operators

Cerro Colorado Landfill is the only municipal MSW landfill in the Albuquerque metro, processing approximately 525,000 tons per year. The per-ton rate is NOT published anywhere online — operators must call (505) 761-8300 for current pricing. This is the single most important data point for your Albuquerque operation. Vehicles are weighed at the scale house in and out. Payment accepted: cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, Diners Club. Invoicing available for commercial accounts. Open 7 days a week including Sundays — a significant scheduling advantage.

• Call (505) 761-8300 before pricing any ABQ jobs — the MSW per-ton rate is not published and is the foundation of your job pricing
• Convenience centers at $5.25/load are unbeatable for pickup-truck-sized loads from small residential cleanouts
• Southwest Landfill at $37/ton for C&D is likely cheaper than Cerro Colorado's MSW rate for pure construction debris

Southwest Landfill at $37/ton for standard compactable C&D (with $10/load environmental fee and NM GRT) is the dedicated C&D facility. Non-compactable C&D costs $70/ton — nearly double. The facility accepts construction waste, demolition waste, yard waste, clean soil, and railroad ties. CRITICAL: Southwest Landfill does NOT accept household trash, furniture, or tires. Any household items in a mixed load will result in rejection. Loads requiring hand-unloading must arrive at least 30 minutes before closing. Facility closes on high-wind days, which are common in Albuquerque, especially March through May.

The City of Albuquerque operates three convenience centers — Eagle Rock (NE), Montessa Park (SE), and Don Reservoir (W) — all charging $5.25/load flat rate. Untarped or unsecured loads incur a $5.82 cleanup fee (including tax). Vehicle capacity limit: 2 tons. Combined vehicle and trailer length limit: 40 feet. Small commercial haulers with a city hauling permit are allowed. Eagle Rock is the only center accepting recyclables. All three open 7 days a week, 8 AM–5 PM (no entry after 4:30 PM). For pickup-truck-sized loads from small residential cleanouts, the $5.25 flat rate is the cheapest disposal option in the metro.

Operators need THREE registrations: (1) NMED Commercial Hauler Registration (state level, 5-year term — application requires vehicle descriptions, waste types, disposal destinations, compliance history), (2) City of Albuquerque Hauling Permit ($12 first vehicle, $3 each additional, renewed annually), and (3) City Business License ($35/year effective January 1, 2025). NM Gross Receipts Tax at approximately 7.875% applies to waste hauling services. Scrap tire haulers need additional surety bond (up to $10,000) and state-approved manifests. Contact NMED at (505) 827-0197.

City of Albuquerque-operated — the only municipal MSW landfill in the metro, approximately 180 acres permitted, processing 525,000 tons per year. The per-ton rate is NOT published anywhere — call (505) 761-8300 and get the current rate before pricing any jobs. Open 7 days a week including Sundays, which is a real scheduling advantage. Vehicles are weighed at the scale house in and out. City hauling permit required. Special or non-standard waste requires pre-approval — call (505) 761-8300 or email WasteDisposal@tucsonaz.gov (note: verify ABQ-specific email). Tires require NM state-approved scrap tire manifests.

Private C&D landfill established in 1987. At $37/ton for compactable C&D, this is likely cheaper than Cerro Colorado for pure construction and demolition debris. CRITICAL: does NOT accept household trash, tires, furniture, or burnt trash/ashes — loads contaminated with household items will be rejected. Loads requiring hand-unloading must arrive at least 30 minutes before closing. Closes on high-wind days (common March–May in ABQ) — always call before dispatching. Final cost rounded to nearest five cents due to coin shortage. Non-compactable C&D (bulky items that don't compress) costs $70/ton.

Materials accepted: Compactable C&D at $37/ton, Non-compactable C&D at $70/ton, Yard waste, Clean soil, Railroad ties

Documentation needed: Credit card must be present (Visa, MC, Discover); No phone payments accepted; Call ahead for seasonal hours and wind closures

Surcharges: Environmental fee: $10/load (flat); NM Gross Receipts Tax: ~7.875%; Non-compactable rate: $70/ton (nearly double standard C&D)

City-operated convenience center and the only one of three that accepts recyclables. At $5.25/load flat rate, this is unbeatable for pickup-truck-sized loads from small residential cleanouts. Vehicle capacity limit: 2 tons. Combined vehicle and trailer length limit: 40 feet — dump trucks and large trailers cannot enter. Small commercial haulers with a city hauling permit are allowed. Open 7 days a week. The $5.82 cleanup fee for untarped loads is low but avoidable — always tarp.