Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Apache Junction
Arizona residential routes operate weekly (Mon-Fri) depending on your neighborhood zone. Some municipalities shift to earlier collection hours during extreme summer heat.
State Mandate
Ensure trash is bagged to prevent debris from scattering during high desert winds.
Blue or Black (Republic Services Standard) Bin (Trash)
Place carts at least 6 inches from the curb and a minimum of 5 feet away from fixed objects like cars and mailboxes. Do not block the sidewalks.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Bagged food waste
- ✓Small, bagged yard clippings
Blue with Light Blue Lid Bin (Recycling)
Recycling is an optional, fee-based service. All recyclables must be placed loosely in the cart without plastic bags. Collection occurs city-wide on Wednesdays.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard and paper
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Glass (varies by market, check locally)
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Yard debris
Yard Waste Bin
Small yard waste must be bagged and tied before going into the regular trash cart. Large branches must be cut to 3-foot lengths, tied, and scheduled for your monthly bulk pickup.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves and weeds
- ✓Tree trimmings (cut to 3 feet and tied)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Once a month (Assigned by geographic zone)
Placement
Place items in a neat pile on your property, not on the sidewalk, street, or alley. Keep the pile more than 5 feet away from any fixed objects or mailboxes.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture and appliances
- ✓ Large plastic toys
- ✓ Old grills
- ✓ Brush and branches (cut to 3-foot lengths and tied)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Tires, rims, and auto parts
- ✕ Glass (windows, shower doors, mirrors)
- ✕ Bricks, concrete, and asphalt
- ✕ Household hazardous waste
One scheduled bulk pickup per month is included in your standard municipal trash rate. Additional bulk pickups can be scheduled by appointment for $61.96 per pickup.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
During a holiday week, Republic Services will delay collection by one day for all service days that fall on or after the holiday. The normal schedule will resume the following week.
Yard Waste Exception
Monthly bulk and specialized manure collections that fall on a holiday will also be pushed back by one day.
Holidays falling on a weekend typically do not interrupt the Monday through Friday collection routes.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Beware of Construction Debris
Apache Junction strictly prohibits heavy construction materials—such as concrete, bricks, dirt, roofing, or any material weighing over 25 pounds or longer than three feet—from standard curbside or bulk collection.
Hold the Refrigerant
If you are placing an old refrigerator or freezer out for your scheduled monthly bulk collection, the freon must be completely removed and tagged by a certified professional prior to pickup.
No Loose Yard Trimmings
To prevent strong desert winds from scattering debris across your neighborhood, all small yard waste and leaves must be bagged and tied securely before being placed in your trash cart.
Seasonal Information
Winter
November to AprilSnowbirds visiting Apache Junction for the winter can put their Republic Services account on 'Seasonal Hold' one time per year for up to six months, saving money while they are away.
Summer
July to SeptemberHeavy monsoon winds can easily knock over your carts. Always keep bins at least 5 feet away from vehicles to prevent damage, and ensure lids are tightly closed so trash doesn't blow into the desert.
Spring
March to MayKeep an eye out for the city's quarterly 'Free Dump Week' announcements. It is the perfect time for a spring garage cleanout, allowing you to drop off up to 500 pounds of junk at the Tomahawk Road landfill for free.
About Apache Junction Waste Management
Twice-a-Week Trash Collection Standard
Apache Junction operates under an exclusive municipal contract with Republic Services that standardizes a twice-a-week trash collection schedule for all residents. Depending on your location relative to Scenic Street and San Marcos Drive, your household waste will be picked up either on Mondays and Thursdays (Zone 1) or Tuesdays and Fridays (Zone 2).
Optional Wednesday Recycling Program
Unlike cities where recycling is automatically bundled into utility bills, Apache Junction treats curbside recycling as an opt-in, subscription-based service. Residents who wish to recycle must contact Republic Services to request a bin and pay an additional quarterly fee. For all active subscribers across the entire city, recycling collection occurs exclusively on Wednesdays.
Equestrian-Friendly Manure Disposal
Recognizing its strong equestrian roots, Apache Junction offers a highly specialized weekly manure pickup service. Residents with horses and livestock can contact Republic Services to rent dedicated 96-gallon manure receptacles or even 2-yard manure dumpsters, ensuring large-scale animal waste is handled safely and effectively.
Navigating the Mandatory Bulk Scheduling
Apache Junction provides a structured, zone-based monthly bulk trash pickup that rotates based on major cross-streets (e.g., Meridian Road to Ironwood Drive on the 1st Wednesday). However, collection is not automatic. Residents MUST call Republic Services exactly seven days in advance of their assigned zone date to be placed on the driver's route list.
Quarterly Free Dump Weeks
To help combat illegal desert dumping, the city partners with Republic Services to host 'Free Dump Week' four times a year. Apache Junction residents can haul one load (up to 500 pounds or the size of a standard pickup truck bed) to the local landfill at no cost. Don't forget your safety gear—hard hats and high-visibility vests are strictly required on the landfill premises.
Drop-off Facilities
Apache Junction Landfill
4050 S. Tomahawk Road, Apache Junction, AZ 85119
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Is recycling mandatory in Apache Junction?
No, curbside recycling is an optional service in Apache Junction. Residents who wish to participate must call Republic Services to sign up and pay an additional monthly fee. All city-wide recycling is collected on Wednesdays.
How do I schedule a bulk trash pickup?
You must call Republic Services at 602-237-2078 at least seven days in advance of your zone's designated Wednesday. The bulk pile cannot exceed 6 feet long by 6 feet wide by 6 feet high.
What are the rules for visiting the Apache Junction Landfill?
The landfill is located at 4050 S. Tomahawk Rd. For safety, Republic Services strictly requires all public visitors to wear hard hats and high-visibility safety vests. You can bring your own, borrow a set, or purchase them on-site for $9.
Does the city offer waste services for horses and livestock?
Yes! Because of Apache Junction's unique equestrian community, residents can request specialized weekly manure pickup services, including a 96-gallon manure cart or a 2-yard manure dumpster, for an additional monthly fee.