Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Gilbert
Trash Day
Varies by neighborhood zone (Monday through Friday)
Recycling
Same day as trash pickup (Weekly)
Yard Waste
Every 5 weeks (collected with Bulk Trash)
Set Out Time
By 5:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash and recycling services are billed together on your monthly Town of Gilbert utility statement alongside water and sewer charges. Town holidays never delay regular curbside pickup.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail, Drop Box, In-Person
Pro Tip / Discount
The AZCEND Gilbert Utility Discount Program provides a monthly utility bill discount for income-qualified households (at or below 120% AMI), along with crisis assistance through the Community Action Program.
Black Bin (Trash)
All household garbage, food waste, and yard clippings must be securely bagged and tied to prevent odors, pests, and spillage. Bins must be placed out by 5:00 a.m. on your designated collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Bagged food waste
- ✓Bagged grass clippings
- ✓Bagged leaves and weeds
- ✓Small non-hazardous household items
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Do not bag recyclables; place them loosely in the blue bin. All accepted bottles, jugs, jars, and cans must be empty, clean, and dry before being tossed.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard (broken down, tape/labels can stay)
- ✓Paper (junk mail, magazines, newspaper, office paper)
- ✓Metal cans (aluminum, steel, tin food and beverage cans)
- ✓Plastics #1 and #2 (bottles, jugs, and jars ONLY)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Glass of any kind
- ✕Plastics #3 through #7 (yogurt tubs, clamshells, trays)
- ✕Plastic bags, wrap, or film
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food or liquid waste
- ✕Yard waste
- ✕Shredded paper
- ✕Clothing or textiles
Yard Waste Bin
Small yard debris must be bagged and thrown in the black trash bin. Large yard trimmings must be under 5 feet in length and 12 inches in diameter to be eligible for bulk pickup. Cacti must be boxed and labeled.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings and weeds (bagged in black bin)
- ✓Tree trimmings and branches (bulk collection)
- ✓Cacti (bulk collection, boxed)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Every five weeks per zone schedule.
Placement
Limit one pile per household. Maximum size is 10' long x 5' wide x 5' high. Place on the street directly against the curb, keeping at least 5 feet away from trash bins, mailboxes, and parked cars.
Accepted
- ✓ Broken furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Microwaves and dishwashers
- ✓ Tree trimmings (under 5 feet long and 12 inches diameter)
- ✓ Boxed and labeled glass or cacti
Not Accepted
- ✕ Household garbage (put in black bin)
- ✕ Refrigerators, washers, dryers (requires scheduled special pickup)
- ✕ Construction debris (lumber, tile, concrete, drywall)
- ✕ Tires and auto parts
- ✕ Hazardous waste and flat-screen TVs
Standard bulk pickup is free. Special pickups for oversized piles (up to 20'x5'x5') cost $100. Large appliances can be scheduled for a $16 trip fee during your bulk week, or $85 if requested outside of it.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Holidays NEVER affect your weekly trash and recycling pickup days in Gilbert. Your regular collection day remains the exact same every week of the year, including on major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Yard Waste Exception
The curbside bulk trash schedule is suspended for the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Even on holidays, operators start their routes at 5:00 a.m. Trash and recycling bins are serviced by different trucks at different times of the day, so leave them out until both are emptied.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter Holidays
November to DecemberWhile regular weekly black and blue bin services operate normally on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, the town's 5-week bulk trash program goes on a scheduled pause during those specific holiday weeks. Check the bulk calendar carefully around the holidays.
Summer
May to SeptemberArizona's excessive summer heat rapidly accelerates decomposition. It is critical to double-bag food scraps and ensure the lid of your black trash can closes completely. Crews hit the streets before dawn, so ensure bins are out by 5:00 a.m. sharp to avoid missed pickups.
Monsoon Season
July to SeptemberMonsoon storms bring sudden, powerful microbursts that can easily blow over empty or partially filled bins. Always maintain a 5-foot clearance between your bins and other obstacles, and ensure your container lid is completely closed so trash doesn't blow into the street.
Local Tips & Community Info
Cash in Your Cans: Gilbert's Recycling Rewards!
Thinking about that extra cash for your aluminum cans and glass bottles? While Arizona doesn't have a statewide redemption program like some other states, many local scrap metal yards and recycling centers in the East Valley are happy to take your aluminum cans off your hands. Companies like AAA Scrap Metal in Mesa often buy aluminum by the pound. It's a great way to turn your recyclables into a little extra spending money while keeping them out of the landfill. Just make sure to rinse your cans and bottles before taking them in.
Give Your Goods a Second Life in Gilbert!
Got furniture, clothes, or household items that are still in good shape but you just don't need anymore? Before they end up in the trash, consider donating them to a local charity. The Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Mesa is a fantastic option for furniture, appliances, and building materials – it helps fund their home-building projects! For clothing and smaller household goods, check out places like the Desert Mission Thrift Store in Phoenix, which supports local health services. It’s a win-win: declutter your home and help someone in need!
Keeping Gilbert Clean: Tackling Dumping and Staying Green
While Gilbert does a great job with regular trash and recycling, sometimes folks find themselves with items too big or too unusual for the weekly bins. If you're dealing with hazardous waste like old paint, electronics, or batteries, the City of Gilbert often hosts special collection events. Keep an eye on the city's website for announcements about Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop-off days. If you happen to see illegal dumping happening, you can report it to the city by calling (480) 503-6400. Staying on top of this helps keep our beautiful city clean for everyone.
Drop-off Facilities
Gilbert Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility
2224 E Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my pickup day change on holidays in Gilbert?
No. The Town of Gilbert does not delay weekly trash and recycling collections for any holidays. Bins should go out on your regular scheduled day, even on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. However, the bulk trash program does pause during the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
How do I get rid of an old refrigerator or washing machine?
Large appliances like refrigerators, freezers, washers, and water heaters are not accepted in standard bulk trash piles. You must schedule a special appliance pickup by calling 480-503-6400. There is a $16 trip fee if scheduled during your bulk week, or an $85 fee outside of that week.
Can I put glass bottles in my blue recycling bin?
No. Gilbert removed glass from its curbside recycling program to improve the quality of other recyclables. You should take empty, clean glass bottles, jugs, and jars to one of the town's designated purple glass recycling drop-off bins located at various parks.
What happens if my bulk trash pile is too big?
The maximum size for a standard bulk trash pile is 10 feet long by 5 feet wide by 5 feet high. If your pile exceeds these dimensions, but is no larger than 20' x 5' x 5', you can call 480-503-6400 to arrange a special bulk pickup for a $100 fee.