Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Tempe
Trash Day
Varies by neighborhood zone
Recycling
Varies by neighborhood zone
Yard Waste
Every other month by scheduled zone
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Solid waste and recycling fees are bundled together with your monthly city water and sewer statement.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay (SurePay), Phone, Mail, Drop Box
Pro Tip / Discount
Utility payment assistance and payment plans are offered through Tempe Community Action Agency and city resource navigators for qualifying low-income residents.
Black or Grey Bin (Trash)
All household refuse, food scraps, and grass must be securely bagged and tied inside the container. The lid must close completely, and no overflow material outside the cart will be collected.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage and food waste
- ✓Bagged grass clippings and yard waste
- ✓Bagged animal waste and diapers
- ✓Non-recyclable domestic items
Blue Bin (Recycling)
All recyclable items must be clean, dry, and dumped loosely into the blue bin. Never bag your recyclables.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard boxes (flattened)
- ✓Paper, newspapers, and magazines
- ✓Aluminum and steel food/beverage cans
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags, film, or wrap
- ✕Styrofoam and foam packaging
- ✕Food-soiled containers or liquids
- ✕Yard waste and branches
- ✕Clothing and textiles
Yard Waste Bin
Small yard debris must be bagged in your regular trash cart. Larger green organic material must be placed in a separate pile during your designated bi-monthly bulk collection week, kept 4 feet away from general bulk trash.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged grass and small leaves (in trash bin)
- ✓Tree trimmings and branches (for green organics collection)
- ✓Untreated wood and shrubbery
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Bi-monthly (every two months, based on your neighborhood schedule zone).
Placement
Limit total material volume to 10 cubic yards (roughly the size of a small SUV). Bulk trash and green organics must be formed into two distinct piles separated by at least 4 feet, and kept 4 feet away from bins, hydrants, and utility boxes.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture that cannot be donated (couches, tables, mattresses)
- ✓ Tree trimmings and branches (for green organics pile)
- ✓ Untreated wood and shrubbery
- ✓ Scrap metal items
Not Accepted
- ✕ Commercial landscaper debris
- ✕ Household garbage or unbagged refuse
- ✕ Hazardous chemicals, paint, and automotive fluids
- ✕ Tires, batteries, and large vehicle parts
- ✕ Construction, drywall, concrete, or dirt
Standard bi-monthly residential bulk and green organics collection is included in city services. Illicit dumping or excess commercial debris is subject to municipal fines.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
For most federal holidays throughout the year, Tempe's solid waste collection schedule remains entirely unaffected. Adjustments typically only occur during the specific weeks of Christmas and New Year's, where Thursday collections are pushed back to Friday.
Yard Waste Exception
Bi-monthly bulk trash and green organics collections are generally unaffected by mid-week holidays, though minor operational shifts can occasionally happen.
Always place your trash and recycling carts at the curb or alley line by 6:00 a.m., regardless of whether it is a holiday week.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Summer Heat
June to SeptemberIntense desert temperatures cause organic materials to decompose rapidly. Double-bag food waste and animal refuse securely to suppress foul odors and prevent pest activity inside your rollout container.
Monsoon Season
July to SeptemberSudden high winds and severe storm microbursts can easily displace rollout carts or scatter loose bulk piles. Keep container lids tightly shut and ensure your bulk piles are neatly stacked so they do not blow into the street or block storm drains.
Winter Holidays
December to JanuaryHoliday packaging generates heavy cardboard and waste volumes. Break down all cardboard boxes flat to maximize space inside your blue bin, and note that collections during Christmas and New Year's weeks may shift (such as Thursday routes moving to Friday).
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Cans and Bottles? Tempe Residents Can Turn Them Into Cash!
Did you know you can get a few bucks back for certain recyclables right here in Tempe? While curbside bins are great for regular recycling, if you've got a stash of cans and plastic bottles, you might want to check out places like the Cactus Jack's. They often buy back aluminum cans and certain plastic bottles. It's a little extra cash for helping the planet, and way better than them ending up in the landfill. A quick search for 'recycling buyback centers Phoenix metro' will give you the latest options nearby.
Give Your Unwanted Stuff a Second Life in Tempe
Before you toss something that still has life left in it, think about donating! Tempe has some fantastic spots where your gently used items can find a new home. Organizations like St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store on Broadway Road are always looking for donations of clothing, household goods, and furniture. And if you're looking to support affordable housing, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Mesa is a great place to drop off usable building materials, appliances, and home decor. It's a win-win for everyone!
Keep Tempe Beautiful: Dealing with Big Clutter & Dumping
We all want a clean Tempe, right? While regular bulky item pickups are handy, sometimes folks have really big items or wonder what to do if they see something dumped illegally. The City of Tempe has a pretty straightforward process for reporting illegal dumping through their website or by calling them directly at 480-782-3510. They also have special collection events for hazardous waste, so keep an eye out for those announcements on the city's official solid waste page. Being proactive helps keep our neighborhoods looking great!
Drop-off Facilities
Tempe 311 Customer Service Center
31 E 5th St, Tempe, AZ 85281
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my neighborhood's bi-monthly bulk trash collection week in Tempe?
You can look up your specific schedule and view the annual Residential Collection Map by visiting the official City of Tempe Solid Waste and Recycling webpage.
Do I need to schedule an appointment for bulk trash pickup in Tempe?
No. Tempe operates a fixed, regional bi-monthly schedule rather than an on-demand appointment system. You simply place your items out during your designated collection month.
Why must I separate my bulk trash from my green organics pile?
Tempe collects bulk items and green organic waste separately so that organic material can be diverted to a local contractor and processed into compost. Piles must be kept at least 4 feet apart for processing.
What should I do if my trash collection day falls on a holiday?
Most holidays do not change Tempe's collection schedule. Shifts typically only occur during the weeks of Christmas and New Year's, where Thursday routes move to Friday.