Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Phoenix
Trash Day
Varies by neighborhood zone
Recycling
Weekly on the same day as trash collection
Yard Waste
Weekly (with Green Organics subscription) or by bulk appointment
Set Out Time
By 5:30 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Solid waste charges are automatically included on your monthly City Services bill alongside water and sewer services.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail, In Person
Pro Tip / Discount
The Save As You Reduce & Recycle (SAY R&R) program provides a $5/month discount for downsizing to a 60-gallon trash cart. Low-income bill assistance is available through Project Assist.
Dark/Black Bin (Trash)
All household garbage MUST be securely bagged and tied to prevent pests and odors. Containers must be placed at the curb or alleyway by 5:30 a.m. with 15 feet of clearance from obstacles.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Bagged food scraps
- ✓Bagged pet waste
- ✓Small non-hazardous household items
Blue Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables must be placed loosely in the blue bin—never bag your recycling. Ensure containers are lightly rinsed and empty before tossing them in.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard and broken-down boxes
- ✓Paper, junk mail, and magazines
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs (#1 and #2 with lids on)
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and shrink wrap
- ✕Styrofoam (egg cartons, packing peanuts)
- ✕Food waste and liquids
- ✕Yard clippings
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, extension cords)
Yard Waste Bin
Requires a $5/month subscription for the tan Green Organics cart. Do not bag yard waste; place it loosely in the tan bin. If you do not have a tan cart, yard waste must be securely bagged and placed in the black trash bin or scheduled for bulk collection.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings and weeds
- ✓Tree fruit and leaves
- ✓Shrubs and cactus trimmings
- ✓Untreated wood (under 4 feet)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By appointment only (Up to 4 collections per calendar year).
Placement
Items must be in a single pile no larger than 10 cubic yards (approx. 17' long x 4' wide x 4' high). Place parallel to the street edge, keeping at least 5 feet away from fixed objects like walls and mailboxes.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture and mattresses
- ✓ Large appliances (without refrigerants)
- ✓ Tree trimmings (under 12 inches thick, max 4 feet long)
- ✓ Rolled and tied carpet (max 4 feet long)
- ✓ Bagged grass and vegetation
Not Accepted
- ✕ Tires of any shape or size
- ✕ Refrigerators, freezers, and A/C units
- ✕ Household hazardous waste (paint, oil, batteries)
- ✕ Dirt, rock, concrete, bricks, and asphalt
- ✕ Construction materials over 25 lbs
Residential customers receive 4 free appointments per year. If you must cancel, do so at least 2 business days in advance, otherwise it counts against your annual allowance.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Phoenix only shifts trash and recycling collections by one day for three holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. If your regular pickup falls on or after these days, it will move one day later (e.g., Thursday routes move to Friday).
Yard Waste Exception
The tan Green Organics carts run on the exact same schedule as regular trash and recycling, following the exact same holiday delay rules.
Collections on all other holidays—such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day—occur on their normal schedule without any delays.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Summer
June to SeptemberDuring the intense Arizona summer, organic waste rots rapidly. Always double-bag food scraps, diapers, and pet waste. Ensure your dark trash container lid is fully closed to prevent massive maggot infestations and fly breeding.
Major Holidays
November to JanuaryTo prevent unsightly debris in neighborhoods during peak family gathering times, the bulk trash scheduler automatically blocks out appointments during the 7 days before and after Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Monsoon
July to SeptemberFierce monsoon microbursts easily knock over empty or partially filled bins. Always ensure your bin's lid is completely shut, and position the bin so it won't damage surrounding property or vehicles if it tips over during high winds.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Phoenix Bottle & Can Haul into Cash!
Hey Phoenix neighbors! Did you know Arizona has a deposit program for certain beverage containers? While Phoenix itself doesn't have a ton of massive scrap metal yards right in the core, look for local redemption centers that take those bottles and cans with the 5-cent deposit. You can find places that pay cash for aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles. A quick search for "Arizona bottle redemption centers Phoenix" will point you to nearby spots where you can turn those recyclables into a little extra spending money. It’s a great way to chip in for that next pizza night!
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in the Valley of the Sun
Got items that are still good but you just don't need anymore? Before they end up in the bin, consider donating them! Phoenix has several fantastic places that could use your unwanted furniture, clothes, or household goods. Organizations like St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores have multiple locations throughout the Phoenix area and are always looking for donations. Also, check out the Habitat for Humanity ReStore; they often take building materials, furniture, and appliances. Giving away your items not only helps others but also keeps them out of the landfill. You can usually find their drop-off hours and donation guidelines on their websites.
Keeping Our Desert City Sparkling: Dealing with the Unwanted
Let's keep Phoenix beautiful! If you've got larger items or things that can't go in your regular bins, like old paint, electronics, or chemicals, the City of Phoenix has specific ways to handle them. They often host special Household Hazardous Waste collection events throughout the year – keep an eye on the city’s official website for announcements on dates and locations. These events are perfect for safely getting rid of tricky waste. If you see illegal dumping happening, report it! It harms our environment and costs everyone money. The city usually has a dedicated hotline or online form for reporting illegal dumping, helping us all maintain a cleaner community.
Drop-off Facilities
North Gateway Transfer Station
30205 N. Black Canyon Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85085
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What holidays actually delay garbage pickup for Phoenix Public Works?
The City of Phoenix only delays trash collection for three major holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Your collection will occur on its normal scheduled day for all other federal holidays, including Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day.
How do I schedule my 4 free bulk trash pickups in Phoenix?
Phoenix has moved to an appointment-based system. You can schedule your 4 free annual bulk pickups by visiting the Public Works online portal at phoenix.gov/bulk-trash or by calling PHX Customer Services at 602-262-6251.
Can I request a special pickup for household hazardous waste?
Yes. Phoenix residential solid waste customers are entitled to one free Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) home pickup per calendar year. You can schedule this service to safely dispose of paint, batteries, motor oil, and pool chemicals right from your home.
What is the 15-foot clearance rule for trash bins in Phoenix?
Because the city uses automated side-loading trucks, Phoenix Public Works strictly requires residents to place their trash, recycling, and tan organics bins with a full 15 feet of clearance from parked cars, mailboxes, light poles, and low-hanging trees.