Albuquerque, N.M. – With the world-famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta set to lift off this weekend, city crews and volunteers are rolling up their sleeves to make sure the Duke City looks its best. Through a cleanup effort called Operation Aloft, teams have been spreading out across neighborhoods and streets, filling trash bags, hauling away debris, and sprucing up public spaces before thousands of visitors arrive.
Thousands of Pounds of Trash Collected
According to city officials, the initiative has already removed thousands of pounds of trash from streets, sidewalks, and open areas across Albuquerque. Volunteers equipped with gloves, long-reach grabbers, and bright trash bags have been tackling litter hot spots, while Solid Waste Department crews provide trucks and logistical support to haul it all away.
“This is something people are genuinely enthusiastic about,” said Billy Gallegos, director of the City of Albuquerque’s Solid Waste Department. “They’re stoked, to be honest with you. A lot of them want to make a difference because we take pride in our city.”
The enthusiasm, Gallegos said, reflects not just the pride residents feel in Albuquerque’s appearance but also the community’s desire to make visitors feel welcome during one of the city’s largest annual events.
Balloon Fiesta: A World Stage
The Balloon Fiesta, which begins Saturday and runs through October 12, is more than just a local festival. It is the largest hot air balloon event in the world, attracting pilots, crews, and tourists from across the globe. The sight of hundreds of colorful balloons dotting the sky at dawn is a signature image of New Mexico, broadcast internationally and shared by visitors across social media.
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With so much attention focused on Albuquerque during the nine-day event, the city considers the cleanup effort not just a matter of civic pride but also an opportunity to showcase Albuquerque’s culture, hospitality, and beauty.
Volunteers Step Up
The success of Operation Aloft rests largely on community participation. Hundreds of residents have volunteered their time in the days leading up to Fiesta, helping the city clear away everything from fast-food wrappers and discarded bottles to larger debris along streets and in public parks.
For many, the cleanup is personal. Families have joined the effort together, turning it into a chance to teach children about stewardship and responsibility. Local businesses have also chipped in by encouraging employees to spend part of their workday helping with the effort.
“It’s about more than trash,” said one volunteer. “It’s about showing people who come here that we care about our city. When they see how clean and welcoming it looks, that reflects on all of us.”
Operation Aloft’s Broader Goals
While the timing of Operation Aloft is closely tied to the Balloon Fiesta, officials say the cleanup program reflects a broader, year-round effort to address litter and beautify Albuquerque. Illegal dumping, overflowing trash, and litter along highways are persistent challenges for the city.
By rallying the community around Balloon Fiesta, Gallegos said, Operation Aloft demonstrates what can be accomplished when residents, businesses, and city staff work together. He hopes the same energy can carry forward into future initiatives, keeping Albuquerque cleaner throughout the year.
“This isn’t just a one-time thing,” Gallegos emphasized. “We want to build momentum. People love Albuquerque, and when they come out here with us and see the difference they’re making, it encourages them to keep going.”
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Economic Importance of a Clean City
Keeping Albuquerque clean has a direct economic impact as well. Balloon Fiesta brings in nearly a million visitors annually, generating hundreds of millions of dollars for the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions all benefit from the influx of tourists.
A tidy, well-maintained city not only enhances visitors’ experience but also increases the likelihood they’ll return in the future or recommend Albuquerque to others. Littered streets or neglected parks, by contrast, can leave a negative impression that undermines the city’s tourism efforts.
Community Pride on Display
For longtime Albuquerque residents, the effort also ties into a deeper sense of identity. The Balloon Fiesta is as much about community pride as it is about balloons, and the cleanup allows locals to play a hands-on role in the event’s success.
“When you see those balloons rise over the Sandias in the morning, it’s something magical,” one resident said while filling a bag with trash. “It’s part of who we are. Helping clean up is my way of giving back and making sure the city looks as beautiful as the balloons themselves.”
Looking Beyond Fiesta
As the countdown to the first mass ascension continues, crews and volunteers are putting the finishing touches on cleanup efforts. But Gallegos stressed that keeping Albuquerque clean must remain a community-wide responsibility beyond October.
“Balloon Fiesta puts us on the map, but the people who live here are the ones who experience Albuquerque every single day,” he said. “We want the city to feel welcoming for visitors, but just as importantly, we want it to be a place residents can be proud to call home.”
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A Fresh Start in Time for the Celebration
With the last of the trash bags being collected and hauled away, Albuquerque is preparing to put its best foot forward. Operation Aloft has not only cleared away debris but also reminded residents of the power of collective action.
As balloons begin to rise over the New Mexico skies, visitors will see a cleaner, more vibrant city beneath them—thanks to the efforts of those who volunteered their time to make a difference.
