FAQs • Las Cruces, NM • CivicEngage

Why was my trash container not emptied?

Residential Containers

There are several reasons why your container may not have been serviced.

Containers that have lids that are not properly closed because they are overfilled.
Containers that are blocked or too close to vehicles.
Container is tied with bungee cords.
Containers that are placed at the curb with wheels facing the street or placed under power lines will not be serviced.
Do not place items around the container such as:
- Auto parts
- Concrete
- Dirt
- Furniture
- Large appliances and boxes
- Livestock waste
- Rocks
- Sod
Items that should not be placed near the trash container include:
- Any form of hazardous waste
- Construction, remodeling, demolition material
- Gas
- Hot ashes
- Oil
- Paint
- Tree trimmings that exceed two feet
There are instances when construction or road work will obstruct our trucks from servicing your container. In these cases, please contact Solid Waste at 528-3700 and we will reschedule your pick up for another day.
Unforeseen vehicle breakdowns may also cause delays in service but our staff will work diligently to ensure that your container is serviced in a timely manner.

For additional information regarding your Solid Waste service visit Residential Services.

Dumpsters that are blocked or do not have access for Solid Waste vehicles will not be serviced.
Dumpsters that are overfilled or have trash placed in front obstructing access will not be serviced.
Dumpsters that have visible hazardous waste will not be serviced.

1. What day and time is my trash/grappler picked up?: Visit the Residential Services page for information regarding grappler and trash pickup.

There are several reasons why your container may not have been serviced.

Containers that have lids that are not properly closed because they are overfilled.
Containers that are blocked or too close to vehicles.
Container is tied with bungee cords.
Containers that are placed at the curb with wheels facing the street or placed under power lines will not be serviced.
Do not place items around the container such as:
- Auto parts
- Concrete
- Dirt
- Furniture
- Large appliances and boxes
- Livestock waste
- Rocks
- Sod
Items that should not be placed near the trash container include:
- Any form of hazardous waste
- Construction, remodeling, demolition material
- Gas
- Hot ashes
- Oil
- Paint
- Tree trimmings that exceed two feet
There are instances when construction or road work will obstruct our trucks from servicing your container. In these cases, please contact Solid Waste at 528-3700 and we will reschedule your pick up for another day.
Unforeseen vehicle breakdowns may also cause delays in service but our staff will work diligently to ensure that your container is serviced in a timely manner.

For additional information regarding your Solid Waste service visit Residential Services.

Dumpsters that are blocked or do not have access for Solid Waste vehicles will not be serviced.
Dumpsters that are overfilled or have trash placed in front obstructing access will not be serviced.
Dumpsters that have visible hazardous waste will not be serviced.

3. Why were my grappler items not picked up?: The grappler truck picks up large trash items, unable to fit into your City trash container. There are several items that the grappler may not pick up. If your items do not fit the Solid Waste or Grappler guidelines please call Solid Waste at 575-528-3700 and on a case-by-case basis we will do our best to help dispose of your items properly. For more information about what items the grappler can pick up visit Grappler Service.

4. What if I have too much garbage/recycling for one container?: You can take excess trash or recycling to the South Central Solid Waste Authority at 2865 West Amador where a fee will be assessed. You can arrange for a second container from Las Cruces Utilities for an additional fee of $9 a month for a trash container or $3.98 a month for a recycle container. Contact Customer Service to order an additional container at 575-541-2111.

5. What holidays do Solid Waste and Recycling not operate?: The only holidays that Solid Waste and Recycling do not operate are Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Residential customers whose service day lands on these holidays will have their containers serviced the following day even on Saturday.

6. What if I have questions about my recycling service or items that can be placed in my recycling container?: If you have any questions regarding your recycling service or the items that you can place in your recycling container please contact Friedman Recycling at 575-323-5086 or by visiting their website.