Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Surprise
Arizona residential routes operate weekly (Mon-Fri) depending on your neighborhood zone. Some municipalities shift to earlier collection hours during extreme summer heat.
State Mandate
Ensure trash is bagged to prevent debris from scattering during high desert winds.
Standard 95-Gallon Grey/Black Bin (Trash)
All routine trash and food waste must be securely bagged and placed inside the provided 95-gallon container. Lids must close completely, and bins should be curbside by 6:00 a.m.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Bagged food waste
- ✓Small amounts of bagged yard debris
- ✓Non-recyclable domestic items
Blue Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables must be clean, dry, and dumped loosely into the blue container. Never bag your recyclable materials.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard and paper products
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Aluminum and steel beverage or food cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags or stretchy film
- ✕Styrofoam and foam packaging
- ✕Food or liquid waste
- ✕Yard trimmings
Yard Waste Bin
Small quantities of leaves and grass must be bagged and tied. Large branches must be chopped into 4-foot sections for bulk collection, while cacti require heavy cardboard boxing to protect sanitation workers.
Accepted Items
- ✓Tree branches (cut under 4 feet long)
- ✓Bagged or boxed grass clippings and leaves
- ✓Cacti (secured in sturdy cardboard boxes)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By appointment (Residents are allowed up to 10 cubic yards per pickup and 20 cubic yards per year at no extra base charge).
Placement
Stack items neatly in the street against the curb (gutter) in front of your property. Do not place items on sidewalks, private property, or arterial/collector roads. Maintain a 10-foot distance from fixed objects.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture and mattresses
- ✓ Tree branches (under 4 feet long)
- ✓ Stoves, washers, dryers, and water heaters ($21 fee for appliances)
- ✓ Refrigerators and air conditioners ($21 fee)
- ✓ Boxed cacti and bagged yard debris
Not Accepted
- ✕ Household garbage and food waste
- ✕ Dirt, rocks, concrete, bricks, and roofing materials
- ✕ Hazardous materials and batteries
- ✕ Glass doors, windows, or large mirrors
- ✕ Uncut tree branches longer than 4 feet
Standard bulk collection up to annual limits is included for city utility accounts. Appliance removal carries a $21 fee per pickup added to your utility bill.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Collection schedules may experience one-day delays when regular pickup lands on major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Check the city's official Holiday Trash & Recycle Collection Schedule PDF for exact date shifts.
Yard Waste Exception
Bulk and yard waste collections scheduled during holiday weeks are subject to adjustment; ensure materials are managed according to published city announcements.
Always place your rollout carts at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your designated collection day.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Loose Recyclables Only
Never place your recyclables inside plastic bags or garbage sacks before throwing them into the blue bin. Loose items allow automated sorting facilities to process materials efficiently.
Box Up Desert Cacti Safely
When cleaning up desert landscaping, prickly plants like cacti cannot be thrown loose into bulk piles. They must be packed tightly inside sturdy cardboard boxes so crews can handle them without injury.
Bag Small Yard Debris
Loose grass clippings, leaves, and small weeds will not be picked up if left scattered in bulk piles. Always bag and tie small vegetation before putting it out for collection.
Seasonal Information
Summer Heat
June to SeptemberIntense Maricopa County temperatures accelerate the decomposition of organic waste. Double-bag food scraps and animal waste tightly to curb foul odors and prevent maggot activity inside your trash bin.
Monsoon Season
July to SeptemberSudden microbursts and high winds can easily knock over empty or overfilled rollout carts. Ensure your container lids are shut tight and keep bins spaced properly away from vehicles.
Winter Cleanups
November to FebruaryWith cooler weather prompting outdoor landscaping projects and holiday hosting, bulk trash appointments fill up quickly. Schedule your pickups well in advance and ensure cardboard boxes are flattened completely.
About Surprise Waste Management
Managing Municipal Waste in Surprise
The City of Surprise Public Works Department provides reliable weekly curbside sanitation services for qualifying neighborhoods. Residents receive a standard 95-gallon receptacle for everyday refuse alongside a blue container for recyclable materials. To ensure smooth mechanical collection, both containers must be rolled out to the curb or designated collection point by 6:00 a.m. on your designated service day.
Same-Day Collection and Regional Adjustments
Surprise operates a streamlined schedule where both trash and recycling are collected on the same day once a week. While many neighborhoods rely on the municipal collection crew, some master-planned communities within city limits contract private haulers instead. It is crucial to verify your specific service provider via the My Surprise Address lookup tool to confirm whether your route is managed by the city or a private entity.
Scheduled Bulk Trash and Appliance Pickups
The city offers generous bulk waste management allowances for residents under municipal service, permitting up to 10 cubic yards per pickup and 20 cubic yards annually at no base charge. While general yard waste and household items can be scheduled directly through customer service, large appliances—such as refrigerators, washers, and air conditioners—require a specialized appointment with a nominal $21 fee billed directly to your next city utility statement.
Strict Placement Rules for Neighborhood Safety
Surprise enforces rigorous placement parameters to ensure automated and bulk trucks can operate safely without blocking traffic. Bulk items must be stacked neatly in the street against the curb, keeping at least a 10-foot clearance from fixed objects like utility poles, block walls, and parked vehicles. Piles must never obstruct sidewalks, pedestrian paths, or fire hydrants, and placing trash on arterial or collector roads is strictly prohibited.
Drop-off Facilities
City of Surprise Public Works Department
16000 N Civic Center Plaza, Surprise, AZ 85374
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my specific trash and recycling collection day in Surprise?
You can look up your neighborhood's exact collection day by visiting the official City of Surprise website and using the interactive 'My Surprise Address' tool.
Do I need to schedule an appointment for bulk trash pickup in Surprise?
Yes. Residents whose sanitation service is provided directly by the city must call 623-222-1900 to schedule a bulk trash appointment before placing items curbside.
How much does it cost to dispose of a refrigerator or air conditioner?
Appliance removal requires a scheduled appointment and incurs a $21 fee per pickup, which will be charged directly onto your next city utility bill.
Can I put construction debris or dirt in my bulk trash pile?
No. Dirt, rocks, concrete, bricks, roofing materials, and large construction or demolition debris are strictly prohibited from city bulk trash collections.