Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Mesa
Trash Day
Varies by neighborhood zone
Recycling
Same day as trash pickup (Weekly)
Yard Waste
Same day as trash pickup (Weekly for Green Yard Waste barrel subscribers)
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside trash and recycling services are billed monthly as part of your comprehensive City of Mesa municipal utility statement.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay (SurePay), Phone, Mail, Payment Kiosk, Drop Box
Pro Tip / Discount
The Limited Income Senior Rate Program provides a 30% discount on the water service charge for eligible low-income seniors aged 60 and older.
Black Bin (Trash)
All household garbage must be securely bagged and tied to prevent pests. The lid must close completely. Place at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Bagged food waste
- ✓Bagged grass clippings (if not using the green barrel)
- ✓Small non-hazardous household items
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be loose, clean, and dry. Never place recyclables inside a plastic garbage bag or grocery sack.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard and paper
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Hard plastic bottles and jugs
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and shrink wrap
- ✕Styrofoam (polystyrene)
- ✕Food or liquid waste
- ✕Yard clippings
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, wires, cords)
Yard Waste Bin
Must subscribe to the optional Green Barrel program. Yard waste must be completely unbagged and free of any trash, plastic, or food scraps.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves and flowers
- ✓Tree branches and twigs
- ✓Weeds and grass clippings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On-demand by scheduling an appointment.
Placement
Place bulk piles at the end of your driveway or property line, making sure not to block sidewalks or the street. Keep piles clear of regular trash barrels, mailboxes, and low-hanging tree branches.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture and mattresses
- ✓ Large appliances (refrigerators require a separate request)
- ✓ Yard trimmings (bundled or bagged)
- ✓ Scrap metal
- ✓ Up to 4 passenger tires off the rim
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste and paint
- ✕ Dirt, rocks, and concrete
- ✕ Roofing materials and construction debris
- ✕ Unbagged household trash
- ✕ Commercial or business waste
Bulk collection in Mesa is a paid service; fees start at $29.00 per standard load (approximately 4'x8'x4'). Major appliances and refrigerant removals may incur separate recycling fees.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
The City of Mesa operates its residential trash and recycling collections 365 days a year. There are absolutely no delays or service interruptions for any holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, or New Year's Day.
Yard Waste Exception
The Green Yard Waste Barrel is collected on the same schedule as regular trash and recycling, meaning it too operates normally on all holidays without delay.
If your scheduled pickup day lands on a holiday, simply place your black, blue, and green barrels out by 6:00 a.m. just like any other normal collection week.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Summer
June to SeptemberDuring Mesa's sweltering summer months, organic waste decomposes rapidly. Always double-bag food scraps to prevent maggot infestations, and consider freezing highly pungent food waste until the morning of your collection.
Monsoon Season
July to SeptemberArizona monsoons bring unpredictable microbursts and intense dust storms. To stop your trash from blowing down the street, make sure your barrel lids are fully closed and avoid overfilling your containers.
Post-Holiday Winter
November to JanuaryBecause Mesa collects trash on all holidays, you won't experience a delay after Thanksgiving or Christmas. However, remember to flatten all cardboard boxes to save space in your blue barrel and drop off old Christmas lights at the HHM facility instead of tossing them in the recycling.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Recyclables into Cash in Mesa!
Did you know you can get paid for certain recyclables right here in the Valley? While Arizona doesn't have a statewide bottle and can redemption program like some other states, there are local spots that buy aluminum cans and other scrap metals. Check out places like Arizona Aluminum & Recycling or local scrap yards in the wider Phoenix metro area. They often pay by the pound for aluminum, copper, and other metals. It's a great way to make a little extra cash and keep valuable materials out of the landfill!
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Mesa
Instead of tossing items that still have life left in them, consider donating them! Mesa has several fantastic places where your unwanted furniture, clothing, and household goods can make a real difference. Check out the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Mesa for furniture and home improvement items. For clothing and general household goods, organizations like St. Vincent de Paul or local Goodwill locations are always looking for donations. It's a win-win: you declutter, and someone else gets a great bargain or much-needed item.
Keeping Our Mesa Neighborhoods Clean: Beyond the Bin
Mesa takes pride in staying clean, and while regular trash and recycling are key, it's good to know how to handle tricky items and illegal dumping. If you ever see a pile of trash dumped where it shouldn't be, you can report it to the City of Mesa Solid Waste Management. They have a process to address and clean up these areas. Also, keep an eye out for special events! The city often holds hazardous waste collection days for things like electronics, paint, and batteries, which you definitely don't want to put in your regular bins.
Drop-off Facilities
Mesa Household Hazardous Materials (HHM) Facility
2412 N. Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201
Materials Accepted
Salt River Landfill
4660 North Beeline Highway, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my trash be picked up on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day in Mesa?
Yes. Unlike most cities, Mesa collects residential trash, recycling, and green waste on all holidays. If your normal collection day falls on a holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas, put your barrels out by 6:00 a.m. as usual.
Does Mesa offer a free bulk trash pickup?
No, bulk trash collection in Mesa is a paid service. You must schedule an appointment online or by phone, and the fee starts at $29.00 per load (approximately 4'x8'x4'), which is billed directly to your city utility account.
How do I participate in the Mesa Green Yard Waste program?
The Green Yard Waste Barrel program is an optional, subscription-based service for Mesa residents. You must sign up through the city to receive a green barrel, which can be filled with unbagged leaves, grass, and tree clippings.
What should I do if my trash barrel is broken or goes missing?
If your black, blue, or green barrel is damaged or missing, you can request a replacement or repair by submitting a form via the city's CityLink app, or by calling the City of Mesa Contact Center at 480-644-2221.