Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Rio Rico
Trash Day
Varies by neighborhood zone
Recycling
Not provided curbside
Yard Waste
Not provided curbside
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Rio Rico is an unincorporated community in Santa Cruz County where residential trash services are arranged and billed directly through local private haulers.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Phone, Mail
Company-provided container (typically Black or Green) Bin (Trash)
All garbage must be bagged before being placed in the cart. The lid must close completely, and no extra bags or personal cans are permitted on the side.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Broken down cardboard boxes
- ✓Bagged leaves and light yard waste
Blue (if offered by specific hauler) Bin (Recycling)
Dedicated curbside recycling is not universally provided by all local haulers in Rio Rico. Residents must verify if their specific subscription includes a recycling cart or if they must utilize local drop-off centers.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Paper
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Glass (often excluded)
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Electronics
Yard Waste Bin
Yard waste is accepted in the standard trash cart only if it is bagged and the cart lid can close completely. Large branches, dirt, and rocks are forbidden.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged leaves
- ✓Small twigs
- ✓Light vegetation
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On-demand by request only
Placement
Do not place bulk items on the curb until a special pickup has been confirmed and paid for with your waste management company.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Large household appliances (non-freon)
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Large amounts of yard debris
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste (paint, oil, chemicals)
- ✕ Construction materials
- ✕ Wood and metal scraps
- ✕ Dirt and rocks
Bulk pickups and 10, 12, or 15-yard roll-off rentals incur additional fees based on the size and weight of the materials.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Holiday schedules are directly tied to the Santa Cruz County Landfill closures. Depending on the day the holiday falls, service may be shifted to one day early rather than delayed. Always check the hauler's website for specific holiday week schedules.
Yard Waste Exception
N/A
Route adjustments are unique to each holiday week. When in doubt, place your bin out on your normal day, but be prepared for a potential early pickup.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter Holidays
November to JanuaryDuring Thanksgiving and Christmas, check the holiday schedule carefully. Unlike most haulers that implement a one-day delay, local providers in Rio Rico sometimes shift routes to one day early to align with the Santa Cruz County Landfill operating hours.
Monsoon Season
July to SeptemberIntense microbursts and heavy rains can easily overturn unsecured bins. Place your carts out as close to the 6:00 a.m. deadline as possible (rather than the night before) during severe weather to prevent neighborhood litter.
Summer Heat
May to OctoberTriple-digit temperatures accelerate the decomposition of food waste. Since you are required to bag your trash anyway, consider double-bagging meat and dairy waste to keep foul odors and desert pests away from your bins.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Recyclables into Cash Right Here in Rio Rico!
Hey neighbors! Did you know you can actually get a little cash back for your cans and bottles? Arizona has a state program for redeeming certain beverage containers. While there aren't specific buyback centers listed right in Rio Rico itself, the nearest options are likely in Tucson or Nogales. Keep an eye out for those redemption centers when you're out and about. For other scrap metal items, you might want to check out local scrap yards in the broader Santa Cruz County area. They're often looking for things like old appliances (with Freon removed), car parts, and other metal goods. It's a great way to clear out clutter and make a few bucks at the same time!
Giving Good Stuff a Second Life in Our Community
Before you toss those gently used items, think about donating them! It's a fantastic way to help out others in Rio Rico and the surrounding Santa Cruz County. While specific thrift stores within Rio Rico might be limited, consider reaching out to places like the Salvation Army or Goodwill in nearby communities like Nogales or Green Valley. They're always looking for donations of clothing, furniture, books, and household items. Another great option is checking if Habitat for Humanity ReStores operate in the vicinity – they often accept building materials and furniture. Giving your unwanted items a new home is a win-win for everyone!
Keeping Rio Rico Clean: What to Do About Illegal Dumping
It’s a real bummer when folks dump trash illegally, but our community can work together to stop it. If you see trash dumped where it shouldn't be, it's important to report it. In Santa Cruz County, you can usually report illegal dumping to the Sheriff's Office or the Public Works Department. They have specific procedures to handle these situations and clean up the mess. Look for local announcements or check the county's official website for the most up-to-date contact information and reporting guidelines. Sometimes, the county or local groups organize community clean-up days, which are awesome opportunities to lend a hand and make Rio Rico even more beautiful.
Drop-off Facilities
Rio Rico Landfill (Santa Cruz County Solid Waste)
1230 Rio Rico Dr, Rio Rico, AZ 85648
Materials Accepted
Green Planet Recycling, Inc.
3132 N. Grand Ave. Nogales, AZ 85621
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do I need to put my trash can out in Rio Rico?
Residents must place their trash container on the street by 6:00 a.m. on their scheduled collection day, or the night before. Ensure the lid opening faces the street.
Can I leave extra trash bags next to my bin?
No. The garbage limit is strictly what fits inside your company-provided container with the lid fully closed. You cannot place personal cans or loose bags on the side. If you need more capacity, you must call to rent an additional cart.
Is yard waste allowed in the residential trash bin?
Yes, you may dispose of yard waste such as bagged leaves in your standard trash cart, provided it fits completely inside with the lid securely closed. Dirt, rocks, and heavy tree limbs are not allowed.
How do I get rid of large furniture in Rio Rico?
There is no free city-wide bulk pickup since Rio Rico is an unincorporated CDP. You must call your private hauler (like Rio Rico Sanitation) to schedule a special bulk pickup for a fee, rent a roll-off dumpster, or haul the items yourself to the Rio Rico Landfill.