Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Surprise
Trash Day
Monday through Thursday (once weekly, assigned by color zone)
Recycling
Same day as trash collection (weekly)
Yard Waste
Small quantities accepted in regular trash; large debris via scheduled bulk pickup
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash and recycling services are conveniently billed alongside municipal water, sewer, and stormwater utilities on your monthly city statement.
Billing Cycle
Monthly (Annual Prepay option available)
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail, In-Person
Pro Tip / Discount
5% discount on wastewater and sanitation charges for enrolling and paying in advance through the Annual Prepay program.
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
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.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Cans into Cash in Surprise? Check These Spots!
Thinking about cashing in those empty aluminum cans and plastic bottles? While Surprise doesn't have its own dedicated redemption centers right within the city limits, the state of Arizona has a program for beverage containers! For larger quantities or scrap metal, you might find places like Scrap-Tech in Phoenix or United Metals Recycling a bit of a drive away, but they're great options for turning old metal into money. Always give them a call before heading over to confirm what they're buying and their hours.
Give Your Unwanted Stuff a New Life in Surprise
Instead of tossing perfectly good items, why not give them a second chance? In Surprise, you can donate usable furniture, clothing, and household goods to places like the Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Bell Road in Phoenix. They often have donation drives or you can drop off items directly. Another fantastic option is supporting local charities like the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, which has a location in the West Valley, helping families right here in our community while keeping things out of the landfill.
Keeping Surprise Clean: What to Do About Junk and Dumping
Spotting illegal dumping is a bummer for everyone in Surprise. If you see someone dumping trash where they shouldn't, the City of Surprise asks you to report it. You can usually call their public works or code enforcement department to let them know. For special cleanup days or to find out if Surprise hosts any community clean-up events, keep an eye on the city's official website or local community boards – they're a great way to pitch in and make our neighborhoods sparkle!
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.