Tempe Bulk Trash Pickup Rules (2026 Rules & Calendar)
Bulk pickup is listed as available for up to 10 items per collection. Tempe residential solid waste customers receive bulk trash and green organics collection every other month for items that do not fit inside regular containers. Place items at the curb by 6 a.m. on Monday of your scheduled collection week, no earlier than 10 days before collection starts. Green organic debris is collected separately and converted into compost. Pile size is limited to 10 cubic yards (roughly the size of a small SUV).
Tempe bulk pickup rules
| Collection rule | Tempe residential solid waste customers receive bulk trash and green organics collection every other month for items that do not fit inside regular containers. Place items at the curb by 6 a.m. on Monday of your scheduled collection week, no earlier than 10 days before collection starts. Green organic debris is collected separately and converted into compost. Pile size is limited to 10 cubic yards (roughly the size of a small SUV). |
|---|---|
| Limit per pickup | 10 items |
| Permitted materials | No unconditional accepted-material list is verified. Confirm eligibility before putting items out. |
| Advance notice | Not required under the listed rules. |
| Dispatch phone | 480-350-4311 |
Allowed vs. disallowed bulk materials
Furniture
Not verifiedLocal curbside rules are not verified. Ask the sanitation office whether this material is accepted and whether a separate appointment is required.
Appliances
Not verifiedLocal curbside rules are not verified. Ask the sanitation office whether this material is accepted and whether a separate appointment is required.
Construction debris
Not verifiedLocal curbside rules are not verified. Ask the sanitation office whether this material is accepted and whether a separate appointment is required.
How to throw away a mattress in Tempe
Follow the listed bulk rule: Tempe residential solid waste customers receive bulk trash and green organics collection every other month for items that do not fit inside regular containers. Place items at the curb by 6 a.m. on Monday of your scheduled collection week, no earlier than 10 days before collection starts. Green organic debris is collected separately and converted into compost. Pile size is limited to 10 cubic yards (roughly the size of a small SUV).
Special disposal mandates
Plastic mattress encasement: The listed rules do not require mattress bagging. Confirm any material-specific handling instructions before pickup. Read mattress bagging laws →
Freon sticker for refrigerant appliances: Not required under the listed rules. Small appliances without freon, washers, and microwaves are collected in bulk pickup. For appliances containing freon or hazardous items, contact Tempe 311 at 480-350-4311 or use the Household Products Collection Center.
Tempe Curbside Scavenging & Trash Picking Rules
Whether you want usable items salvaged before the compactor crushes them or you are looking for scrap metal, understand the local curbside legal boundaries in Tempe.
Public Curb vs. City Cart Ownership
Under federal precedent, property discarded in public rights-of-way is legally abandoned. However, many municipal ordinances classify materials placed inside official city-owned recycling carts as city property. Removing materials from inside containers can trigger municipal pilfering fines.
Mark Usable Items with a "FREE" Sign
If you want scrap metal collectors or neighbors to haul away working appliances, lawnmowers, or furniture before bulk pickup day, tape a clear "FREE" sign to the item and place it directly on the curb line away from your private driveway.
Tempe Area Landfills & Citizen Drop-Off Stations
When you have large renovation loads, dirt, concrete, or bulky waste exceeding curbside limits, self-haul directly to a verified transfer station or county landfill serving Maricopa County.
📍 1320 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281
Drive-thru residential hazardous materials facility accepting leftover paint, lawn care chemicals, motor oil, batteries, electronics, and compact fluorescent bulbs.
📍 13602 N Beeline Hwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Regional sanitary landfill serving East Valley residents for excess household trash, construction debris, oversized bulky items, and appliances.
All open truck beds and trailers must be secured with a tarp. Unsecured loads face an immediate $20 to $50 state fee at the scale.
Most facilities have a minimum entry fee ($25 to $45) covering up to 1,000 lbs, with prorated per-ton rates for heavier commercial debris.
To receive discounted residential gate rates, bring a valid state driver license and a current local municipal water or utility bill.
If your project exceeds city bulk limits, review our dumpster rental vs. bulk pickup cost comparison or read our construction debris weight guide.
Local disposal alternatives in Maricopa County
For items that cannot go at the curb, check these official disposal resources. Confirm accepted materials, residency requirements, fees, and hours before visiting.
Tempe Household Products Collection Center
1320 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281
Drive-thru residential hazardous materials facility accepting leftover paint, lawn care chemicals, motor oil, batteries, electronics, and compact fluorescent bulbs.
Salt River Landfill
13602 N Beeline Hwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Regional sanitary landfill serving East Valley residents for excess household trash, construction debris, oversized bulky items, and appliances.
The nearest eligible transfer station or landfill depends on your address and the material. These resources are not ranked by distance.
DPW & sanitation contact
City of Tempe Public Works Department Solid Waste Services Section · municipal dpw
Phone: 480-350-4311
31 E 5th StTempe, AZ 85281
These collection rules cover Zone Tempe Curbside and Alley Collection Routes.
Trash & recycling questions
What days is trash collected in Tempe, AZ?
Listed trash collection days are Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday and Friday. Set containers out Place your trash container at the curb or in the driveway by 6 a.m. and remove it by 8 p.m. on your collection day. Keep four feet of clearance from parked cars, mailboxes, and trees.. These rules apply to Zone Tempe Curbside and Alley Collection Routes.
Is garbage pickup delayed for holidays in Tempe?
As of 2026-10-10: No observed holidays this week. Collections follow the regular schedule. The listed holiday policy keeps regular pickup dates unchanged. Observed holidays: New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. These rules apply to Zone Tempe Curbside and Alley Collection Routes.
How do I schedule bulk trash pickup in Tempe?
Tempe residential solid waste customers receive bulk trash and green organics collection every other month for items that do not fit inside regular containers. Place items at the curb by 6 a.m. on Monday of your scheduled collection week, no earlier than 10 days before collection starts. Green organic debris is collected separately and converted into compost. Pile size is limited to 10 cubic yards (roughly the size of a small SUV). The listed limit is 10 items per pickup. Advance notice is not required under the listed rules. Contact sanitation at 480-350-4311 to confirm eligibility and arrange service. These rules apply to Zone Tempe Curbside and Alley Collection Routes.
What items are accepted for recycling in Tempe?
The listed accepted materials are Cardboard and paperboard boxes (flattened and broken down), Office paper, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, and mail, Paper cups with sleeves and soda cups (straws and lids removed), Polypropylene plastic cups (clean and empty), Plastic jars, jugs, bottles, and caps, Aluminum beverage cans and tin or steel food cans, Glass jars, bottles, and jugs. Keep these listed prohibited items out: Plastic grocery bags, trash bags, and plastic film (never bag recyclables), Styrofoam take-out containers and packing material, Plastic utensils (forks, knives, spoons), Paper towels, napkins, tissues, and toilet paper, Six-pack beverage rings and bubble wrap, Porcelain, ceramics, mirrors, and window glass. Confirm item-specific preparation rules with the official sanitation office. These rules apply to Zone Tempe Curbside and Alley Collection Routes.