Nmhu Recycling Center
Recycling Center in Las Vegas, New Mexico
About This Location
The New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) Recycling Center sits near 9th Street and Raynolds Avenue, adjacent to the Gallinas River Walk and west of the university's John A. Wilson Complex, in Las Vegas, New Mexico (San Miguel County — not Las Vegas, Nevada). Built by the university in 2010, it is a staffed, free public drop-off open to the whole community, not just NMHU students and staff. The center accepts cardboard, aluminum cans, tin food cans, scrap metal, insulated #2 copper and brass, and — as of a 2023 reopening — clean plastics #1 and #2. Because acceptance can shift with commodity markets and vendor availability, calling ahead before a first visit is advisable. Drop-offs are only taken during staffed hours; leaving materials at the fence after hours is prohibited and monitored by security cameras.
What NMHU Recycling Center Accepts
Related recycling guides: Appliances · Plastic · Cardboard & Paper
What they do not accept
Newspaper, paper, shredded paper, televisions, mattresses, tires, Styrofoam, motor oil, paint, and biohazards such as diabetic needles are explicitly listed as not accepted.
Fees
- All accepted materials — Free — the center is a free service to the community.
Access & restrictions
Open to the public · Walk-in (no appointment) · Open to everyone — the university built the center and opened it to the public, so no NMHU affiliation is required. Recyclables cannot be left after regular hours; the site is monitored by security cameras. The center closes on university holidays and other NMHU closures.
Materials, fees and hours can change — call ahead to confirm before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NMHU Recycling Center open to the general public or only students and staff?
It is open to everyone. The university built the center and opened it to the public, so all Las Vegas and area residents can use it — no NMHU affiliation is required.
Does the center currently accept plastics?
As of a 2023 Las Vegas Optic report, the center resumed accepting clean plastics #1 and #2. Acceptance has been suspended in the past when vendors were unavailable, so call 505-426-7788 before your visit to confirm.
Is there a charge to drop off recyclables?
No. The NMHU Recycling Center is a free service to the community. No fees for any accepted material appear in any official or news source.
Can I leave recyclables at the gate after hours?
No. Recyclables cannot be left at the center after regular hours — the site is monitored by security cameras, and animals get into materials left outside. Drop off only during staffed hours, Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–3:30 PM.
Does the center accept televisions, tires, or motor oil?
No. Televisions, tires, mattresses, motor oil, paint, Styrofoam, newspaper, shredded paper, and biohazards such as diabetic needles are all explicitly listed as not accepted.
Last verified: November 2026. Sources: source · source · source · source. Spotted something wrong? Suggest a correction.
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