Gallup Announces Holiday Trash Schedule, Extra Christmas Pickup

The City of Gallup notified residents that regular refuse collection will be suspended on the two major holiday Thursdays of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. To accommodate the closures, Thursday and Friday residential routes during the applicable two week period will be collected on Friday, December 26 and Friday, January 2. The announcement is intended to prevent service gaps while collection staff observe the holidays.

In addition to the schedule change, the Solid Waste Department will accept extra Christmas refuse free of charge for one week only, from Friday, December 26 through Friday, January 2. Residents are instructed to set extra items curbside away from your herbie on their scheduled pickup day. The department provided a phone line for further questions at 505 863 1212.

The city also established two Christmas tree drop off locations to handle increased organic material after holiday decorations come down. Residents can bring trees to Joe Vargas Veterans Memorial Complex located in Ford Canyon, and to the Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center. Those sites are intended to reduce curbside clutter and expedite processing of vegetation separate from regular refuse collection.

For Gallup households that normally receive Thursday or Friday pickups, the change means planning ahead for collection on the specified Fridays. The free extra refuse window offers an opportunity to dispose of oversized holiday packaging and other seasonal debris without additional charges, but it is time limited. Residents who miss the designated pickup day risk creating curb congestion or leaving waste at the property until regular service resumes.

Operationally, the holiday adjustments reflect the Solid Waste Department’s effort to balance worker time off with continued service coverage. Clear adherence to the announced schedule will help maintain route efficiency and safety for crews and residents. For specific questions about pickup timing or acceptable items during the free collection week, call the Solid Waste Department at 505 863 1212.