ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – PNM and the Cities of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho will be recycling real Christmas trees for free at several locations. No artificial trees will be accepted.
PNM Vegetation Management crews, the City of Albuquerque’s Solid Waste Management Department, and Rio Rancho’s Keep Rio Rancho Beautiful Division will grind trees into mulch chips which can then be used to provide a better growing environment for plants and residential landscapes. Residents can pick up the mulch for free while supplies last at four of the five recycling locations.
“Last year, Burqueños helped to recycle over 7,500 Christmas trees and we are looking forward to another successful event this year,” said Matthew Whelan, director of the Solid Waste Management Department. “Through this event we are able to keep trees out of the landfill and offer the mulch to residents for reuse in their gardens while supplies last.”
Trees can be dropped off in Albuquerque between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday, December 28 through Sunday, January 10, 2021 at the following locations:
Albuquerque
- Montessa Park Convenience Center, 3512 Los Picaros SE, 768-3930
- Eagle Rock Convenience Center, 6301 Eagle Rock NE, 768-3925
- Ladera Golf Course, 3401 Ladera Dr NW, 836-4449
From January 1 through January 15, 2021, trees can be dropped off at the following Rio Rancho locations:
Rio Rancho
- Rio Rancho Sports Complex, 3501 High Resort Blvd. SE, Rio Rancho (can be dropped off at any time)
- Sandoval County Landfill, 2708 Iris Rd. NE, Rio Rancho (no free mulch at this location, and trees can be dropped off between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday)
Residents are asked to please remove all bags, tree stands, decorations, and lights from the trees before dropping them off. There is a limit of five trees per resident and no commercial customers are allowed.
The City of Albuquerque reports they will also be collecting non-food donations for cats and dogs for the Animal Welfare Department. Collections will only take place at the Eagle Rock Convenience Center location.
