CABQ stresses proper hazardous waste disposal to avoid garbage fires

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The City of Albuquerque Solid Waste Management Department is advising residents to avoid throwing hazardous wastes in collections and recycling carts.

The department noted there have been seven truck fires so far in 2022 and two of them have been in June, alone. No one has been injured but the fires put drivers and residents at risk.

The fires start not only because of hazardous wastes but also because of loose trash that is not bagged. The department advises residents to never put the following items in the trash or recycling:

  • Flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, oil-based paints, or kerosene
  • Hazardous materials, including items such as ammonia, bleach, pool chemicals, pesticides, paint thinners, etc.
  • Cylinders containing compressed gas such as oxygen, propane, helium, acetylene, or fire extinguishers
  • Rechargeable batteries containing heavy metals including lithium, nickel-cadmium, or lead-acid
  • Ashes from fireplaces, fire pits, or barbeque grills

Residential hazardous wastes can be taken to the City of Albuquerque’s Hazardous Waste Collection Center, Advance Chemical Transport, at no charge.

ACT is located at 6173 Edith NE and is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday – and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

The department is also reminding residents to soak spent fireworks and sparklers in a bucket of water before throwing them away. It is also advised you never dispose of fireworks and sparklers in recycling carts.

More information is available on the department’s website.