Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for El Mirage
Trash Day
Monday (East of El Mirage Road) or Thursday (West of El Mirage Road)
Recycling
Same day as trash (weekly on Monday or Thursday)
Yard Waste
Not available (bulk events twice yearly or bagged in regular trash)
Set Out Time
5:30 AM
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential trash and recycling services are serviced by Parks & Sons and bundled onto your monthly City of El Mirage water and wastewater utility bill.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail, In Person
Pro Tip / Discount
No specific discounts listed, though utility assistance and temporary deferral programs are offered through the Community Action Program (CAP).
City-issued refuse barrel (Typically Black or Dark Green) Bin (Trash)
All trash must be securely bagged and tied before being placed in the barrel. Debris cannot protrude more than one foot above the rim. Overfilled barrels will be skipped.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Standard household refuse
City-issued recycle barrel (Typically Blue) Bin (Recycling)
Do NOT bag recyclables. Items must be placed loosely in the barrel and should be empty, clean, and dry to prevent contamination of paper products.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean and flattened cardboard
- ✓Paper (newsprint, mail, office paper)
- ✓Metal food and beverage cans
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags or film
- ✕Hazardous waste and motor oil
- ✕Construction materials (dirt, concrete)
- ✕Food-soiled paper
- ✕E-waste and batteries
Yard Waste Bin
Standard yard clippings must be bagged and placed in your regular trash bin. Large tree branches must be saved for the Spring/Fall bulk events and must be cut to 4-foot segments, under 8 inches in diameter.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings (bagged in trash)
- ✓Leaves and small weeds
- ✓Tree limbs (if registered for bulk event)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Twice a year (Spring and Fall events)
Placement
Only approved bulk items should be placed neatly at the curb just prior to your assigned appointment week, ensuring the pile does not block sidewalks or driver visibility.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Broken furniture
- ✓ Tree limbs (cut to 4-foot lengths, max 8 inches wide)
- ✓ Large household appliances (non-freon)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Remodeling debris (rocks, cement, tile)
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Hazardous waste (paint, oil, pool chemicals)
- ✕ Vehicles or car parts
- ✕ Televisions and computers (e-waste)
A $10 fee is applied to your utility bill for participating in a city bulk event. For items between events, you must call Parks & Sons for a private special haul quote.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
When a major holiday falls on a weekday, collections for the remainder of the week are typically delayed by one day. Please refer to the official City of El Mirage holiday PDF schedule for precise routing shifts.
Yard Waste Exception
El Mirage does not have a separate weekly yard waste route; green waste follows the standard holiday delay for regular trash.
Parks & Sons routes continue normally on minor federal holidays. Only the major holidays listed will cause a one-day delay to your Monday or Thursday service.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Summer
June to SeptemberTo beat the intense Arizona summer heat, trucks hit the streets early. Barrels must be placed at the curb by 5:00 AM on your collection day, as automated routes wait for no one.
Spring & Fall
February-March & August-SeptemberThis is registration season for the City's bi-annual bulk trash events. Keep an eye on your utility bill inserts and the city website so you don't miss the strict sign-up windows.
Monsoon
July to SeptemberFierce monsoon microbursts can knock over unbagged trash, creating massive neighborhood litter issues. Ensure every piece of garbage is tied securely in a bag and lids are closed tight to prevent wind scattering.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Scrap Metal into Cash in El Mirage!
Got some old appliances, car parts, or other metal bits gathering dust? Instead of letting them pile up, check out some local spots that might pay you for them! While El Mirage itself might not have a direct buyback center within city limits, nearby areas often do. Places like ABC Recycled Metals in Phoenix or other similar scrap yards in the wider Maricopa County area are usually eager to take your old metal for recycling. It's a great way to clear out clutter and make a little extra cash. You can also look into Arizona's state-specific bottle and can redemption programs for your aluminum cans – every bit counts!
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a New Home in El Mirage
Before you toss anything that's still in good shape, think about donating it! El Mirage has residents who could really use those items. You might consider checking out thrift stores like Impact Thrift Store in Glendale, or explore options with organizations like St. Vincent de Paul Society of Arizona. Even if it's just a few miles out of town, donating means your old clothes, furniture, or household goods get a second life and help someone else in our community. It’s a win-win!
Keeping El Mirage Clean: Reporting Dumping & Community Pride
We all want El Mirage to look its best! If you ever spot illegal dumping – that’s when folks leave trash or unwanted items in public spaces – it’s super important to report it. The City of El Mirage likely has a process for this; often, you can call the city's public works or code enforcement department. Keeping an eye out and letting the city know helps them address the problem quickly. Sometimes, there are also community clean-up events organized throughout the year. Keep an ear out through local news or city announcements for opportunities to pitch in and make our neighborhood even better!
Drop-off Facilities
Glendale Municipal Landfill
11480 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ 85307
Materials Accepted
Northwest Regional Landfill (WM)
19401 W Deer Valley Rd, Surprise, AZ 85387
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
When does El Mirage collect trash and recycling?
Trash and recycling are collected on the same day depending on where you live. Homes east of El Mirage Road (Section 1) have their barrels serviced on Mondays, while homes west of El Mirage Road (Section 2) are serviced on Thursdays.
Can I put extra trash bags next to my city barrel?
No. The automated trucks operated by Parks & Sons cannot pick up loose bags on the ground. All refuse must be contained within the city-provided barrel, and the lid must close properly (no more than a one-foot gap). If you have excess trash, you must hold it until the next week or call for a special pickup.
How do I get rid of an old couch in El Mirage?
You can either register online for the City's bi-annual Spring or Fall bulk trash collection event (which costs $10), contact Parks & Sons directly for an immediate special pickup quote, or haul the couch yourself to the Glendale Landfill.
What time do I need to put my barrels on the street?
Your garbage and recycling barrels must be placed at the curb by 5:00 AM on your scheduled collection day. Trucks start their routes very early, especially during the hot Arizona summer, and will not return for late set-outs.