Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Socorro
Texas residential services run Monday through Friday. Please refer to your neighborhood's specific zoning map for your exact day.
State Mandate
Bag all trash to prevent pests.
LVWD-issued Polycart Bin (Trash)
All household garbage must be placed inside the provided LVWD polycart with the lid completely closed. Do not leave loose bags on the ground.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics and packaging
- ✓Small amounts of yard debris
Drop-off Only (No curbside bins) Bin (Recycling)
Curbside recycling is NOT provided in Socorro. Residents must drop off clean, dry recyclables at the Socorro Recycling Center at 240 Old Hueco Tanks Rd.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard and paperboard (flattened)
- ✓Newspapers, magazines, and office paper
- ✓Plastics #1 through #7 (except #6/Styrofoam)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Glass bottles and jars
- ✕Metals (aluminum or steel cans)
- ✕Household trash and food waste
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Styrofoam (#6)
Yard Waste Bin
Small yard waste can be bagged and placed in your LVWD trash cart. Large yard waste loads must be taken to the Clint Landfill (free for residents if the load is secured).
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Small brush and branches
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On-demand (Once a year FREE per household).
Placement
Place approved bulk items at the curb only after confirming your specific scheduled pickup date with LVWD representatives.
Accepted
- ✓ Large furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Bundled brush and heavy yard debris
- ✓ Large household appliances (non-Freon)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste and wet paint
- ✕ Tires and car bodies
- ✕ Refrigerators or compressors containing Freon
- ✕ Fuel, antifreeze, or contaminated soil
The first bulk pickup of the year is completely free. Additional bulk pickups or excess construction waste must be hauled to the Clint Landfill, where tonnage fees will apply.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Trash collection is typically delayed by one day if a major holiday falls on a weekday. Residents should confirm exact holiday schedules directly with the Lower Valley Water District.
Yard Waste Exception
Clint Landfill and the Socorro Recycling Center operations may be closed on major holidays; always call ahead before hauling materials.
Because LVWD handles the actual collection, holiday schedule shifts are dictated by the district's operational calendar, not the City of Socorro.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
No Glass at the Drop-Off
The Socorro Recycling Center explicitly does not accept any glass or metal items. You must safely throw broken glass or glass bottles into your regular LVWD trash polycart.
Flatten Your Cardboard
When utilizing the local recycling drop-off center, make sure every cardboard box is broken down and completely flattened to maximize bin space for the community.
Secure Your Landfill Loads
If you are self-hauling yard waste to the Clint Landfill for free disposal, you must heavily secure and cover your load with a tarp. Unsecured loads will incur an automatic $10.00 fee at the gate.
Seasonal Information
Spring
March - MayTaking on a massive spring cleaning project? Don't forget to call LVWD at (915) 791-4480 to schedule your one-time annual free bulk trash collection for your heavy debris or furniture.
Summer
June - AugustDuring the sweltering Texas summer, tightly bag all of your household garbage before placing it in the LVWD polycart. This simple step drastically reduces severe odors and keeps pests away.
Winter
December - JanuaryAfter the holidays, take your excess shipping boxes and clean gift wrapping paper to the Socorro Recycling Center. Remember they do not accept glass or metallic wrapping paper.
About Socorro Waste Management
Lower Valley Water District (LVWD) Trash Services
The City of Socorro does not directly manage residential garbage collection. Instead, all solid waste and trash services are handled by the Lower Valley Water District (LVWD). Residents are provided with standard polycarts for their weekly household garbage. For any issues regarding billing, missed pickups, or cart replacements, you must contact LVWD directly rather than city hall.
No Curbside Recycling (Socorro Recycling Center)
Unlike many municipalities, Socorro does not offer curbside recycling pickups. Instead, environmentally conscious residents can take their sorted recyclables—such as flattened cardboard, paper, and most plastics—directly to the Socorro Recycling Center located on Old Hueco Tanks Road. Keep in mind that this facility does not accept glass or metals.
Once-a-Year Free Bulk Trash Collection
If you have large bulky items like old furniture or heavy brush that won't fit into your regular LVWD polycart, you can take advantage of a specialized service. Residents are entitled to a one-time-a-year FREE bulk trash collection. However, this is strictly an on-demand service; you must call LVWD at (915) 791-4480 to schedule your specific pickup day.
Clint Landfill for Excess Waste and Brush
For residents who have already utilized their annual free bulk pickup, or those dealing with heavy construction debris, the Clint Landfill is the designated drop-off site. A great local benefit is that Socorro residents can dispose of yard waste at the landfill at no extra charge, provided the load is properly secured and covered with a tarp during transport.
Used Motor Oil Drop-Off Locations
Dumping motor oil into Socorro's storm drains, canals, or the Rio Grande is strictly prohibited and highly illegal. DIY mechanics must take their used motor oil to authorized local recycling drop-off points. Popular authorized locations in Socorro include the AutoZone and O'Reilly Auto Parts stores on Alameda Avenue.
Drop-off Facilities
Socorro Recycling Center
240 Old Hueco Tanks Rd, Socorro, TX 79927
Materials Accepted
Clint Landfill
2300 Darrington Rd, El Paso, TX 79928
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the City of Socorro provide curbside recycling?
No. The City of Socorro and the Lower Valley Water District do not offer curbside recycling. Residents must take their sorted plastics, paper, and cardboard directly to the Socorro Recycling Center on Old Hueco Tanks Road.
Who do I call if my trash wasn't picked up?
Since the City of Socorro does not manage garbage collection, you must contact the Lower Valley Water District (LVWD) at (915) 791-4480 for all issues regarding missed pickups, schedule changes, or damaged polycarts.
How can I get rid of an old couch or mattress in Socorro?
Socorro residents receive one FREE bulk trash collection per year through LVWD. You must call them at (915) 791-4480 to formally schedule the pickup before placing any heavy items at the curb.
Can I drop off yard waste at the landfill for free?
Yes. Properly secured and covered yard waste loads can be dropped off at the Clint Landfill for free by Socorro residents. If your load is completely unsecured, you will be charged a $10 fee.