Sandia Heights Sanitation
Sanitation FAQ
Common questions about bins, schedules, and what we can and can’t collect.
What do the bin colors mean?
- Brown lid = Trash
- Green lid = Recycling
What time does my trash and recycling need to be at the road?
Refuse must be placed at the road edge no later than 7:00 a.m. on your scheduled collection day.
Where should I place my trash and recycling?
All refuse must be inside your Sandia Heights Services bins — not outside, sitting next to, or on top of the bins. Refuse placed outside of the bin will not be picked up.
How do I know my collection schedule?
You can look up your assigned trash and recycling day using the Sanitation Collection Day Lookup.
What happens if a holiday falls on my pickup day?
Holiday schedule changes are posted in advance. Some holidays do not affect service; others shift collection to the following business day. To view the current pickup schedule, including holiday changes, please visit our Recycle, Holiday & Event Calendar.
What items are allowed in trash and recycling?
Guidelines are listed in the Refuse Collection Policy, including what can and cannot be collected for both trash and recycling.
How do I request a special pickup?
Special pickups are available for large or extra items. They occur Mondays only, and requests must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. the Friday before. Minimum cost: $25, depending on volume and weight. Special pickups may be scheduled by submitting a Special Pickup Request.
What should I do if my pickup was missed?
Submit the Missed Pickup Form within one business day so the team can resolve the issue promptly.
Do you offer assisted pickups?
Yes. Residents who need help moving bins can submit an Assistance Form certified by a healthcare provider.
When is green waste collected?
Green waste is collected four times a year — Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter — on scheduled weeks. Please visit the Recycle, Holiday & Event Calendar to view the current pickup schedule.