Tempe Garbage Collection & Recycling Laws

Public Health and Welfare Arizona 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 20, 2026 Flag of Arizona

In Tempe, Arizona, residents must follow city rules for garbage collection, recycling preparation, and set-out schedules to ensure service and avoid enforcement actions. This guide explains how schedules are set, what materials are accepted in curbside recycling, how to prepare containers, and where to find official rules and contacts. For official service schedules and collection zones, consult the City of Tempe Solid Waste & Recycling page Tempe Solid Waste & Recycling[1]. For legal language on refuse and solid waste obligations, see the Tempe Code of Ordinances search portal Tempe Code of Ordinances[2].

Collection Schedules & Set-Out Rules

Collection schedules in Tempe are assigned by address and may vary by route. Typical rules include set-out times (before 6 a.m. on collection day or the evening prior) and container placement at the curb or approved pickup location. Containers must be accessible and unobstructed by vehicles, vegetation, or other items.

  • Set-out time: place containers by the curb by the required pickup time (check your route).
  • Containers: use city-approved bins or authorized contractor containers.
  • Accessibility: keep area clear of cars and obstacles for safe pickup.
Confirm your specific pickup day with the city or contractor.

Recycling Requirements

Tempe follows single-stream curbside recycling for many residential routes. Accepted materials generally include mixed paper, cardboard, metal cans, plastic bottles labeled 1 or 2, and glass where specified. Residents must remove food residue and flatten cardboard. Prohibited items often include plastic bags, tanglers (hose/rope), and hazardous wastes.

  • Accepted: mixed paper, cardboard, metal cans, clean plastic bottles (check local guidance).
  • Not accepted: plastic bags, food-contaminated items, sharps, batteries, and hazardous liquids.
  • Special collections: bulk items and yard waste may require scheduled pickup or a separate service.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for noncompliance with refuse and recycling rules is handled by City of Tempe code enforcement and the Public Works or Solid Waste contractor depending on the issue. The municipal code or departmental rules set available remedies and penalties.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; see municipal code for any monetary penalties.[2]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to correct, abatement, removal at owner expense, and referral to municipal court may apply (not all sanctions are specified on the cited page).[2]
  • Enforcer & inspections: City of Tempe Code Compliance and Public Works/Solid Waste inspect and respond to complaints; submit complaints via the city contact pages.
  • Appeals & time limits: appeal procedures and time limits are governed by municipal process; specific appeal deadlines are not specified on the cited page.[2]
If a fine amount or deadline is needed, request the specific code section from the city for confirmation.

Applications & Forms

Many routine matters do not require a special permit; bulk item pickups or service changes may require an online request or form via the Solid Waste customer portal. Specific form names and fees are published on the city service pages or through the contractor portal; if not listed, no official form is published on the cited page.[1]

How-To

  1. Find your pickup day: check the city Solid Waste page or enter your address in the service calendar.
  2. Prepare recyclables: empty, rinse, and flatten where practical; do not bag recyclables unless instructed.
  3. Report a missed pickup: contact the Solid Waste customer service portal or call the Public Works line; provide address, route, and date.
  4. Appeal an enforcement action: follow the municipal appeal instructions provided in the notice or contact Code Compliance for next steps.

FAQ

When should I put my bins out?
Place bins at the curb by the designated collection time on your scheduled day; check the city schedule for your address.
What can I recycle curbside?
Typically paper, cardboard, metals, and certain plastics; confirm accepted items on the city recycling guidance page.
How do I report a missed pickup?
Contact Solid Waste customer service via the city portal or phone with your address and service date.

Key Takeaways

  • Follow your assigned pickup day and set-out rules to avoid service interruption.
  • Prepare recyclables clean and loose; prohibited items can contaminate loads.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Tempe Solid Waste & Recycling
  2. [2] Tempe Code of Ordinances (municipal code search)

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