The city of Tempe's Field Operations Division  is responsible for the collection and disposal of trash and recycling generated from all residential and some commercial facilities in Tempe.  Solid waste collected by the city of Tempe is taken to the Waste Management Sky Harbor Transfer Station. 

It is our goal to: 

  • recycle as much of our trash as possible,

  • conserve our natural resources,

  • extend landfill life

  • minimize the increasing cost of disposal, and

  • improve the quality of life in our community.

The best way to achieve these goals is source reduction, recycling, composting, and sanitary landfilling. This integrated approach will give us the opportunity to find solid waste solutions that are safe, environmentally responsible and cost effective.

Did you know that the city of Tempe is one of the few cities in the Valley to offer monthly bulk item pick up removal? This service is designed to help residents dispose of large bulky items and yard trimmings that will not fit into their trash can. Please do not litter the alleys with small items that can easily fit into the trash can. The Field Operations Division has provided this service at no additional cost to its residents. Place bulky item materials out by 6 a.m. on Monday for collection during that week.

The city of Tempe also requests your assistance in keeping the alleyways free of litter and weeds. According to City Code, it is the responsibility of each resident to maintain the area behind their fence line to the center of the alley. Periodically cleaning, raking, and pulling weeds in the alley behind your home will help ensure a cleaner, safer, and more beautiful neighborhood.

Please place acceptable recyclables  in your blue recycling barrel. For proper disposal of sharps/used needles consult your pharmacist or place the items in a puncture proof container (e.g. coffee can or hardened plastic container) and secure the lid. After these safety steps have been followed, items must be thrown away in the regular garbage can, not the blue recycling can.
Recyclables List

The City of Tempe was awarded a partial grant from Arizona Department of Environmental Quality for the development of a mobile recycling education center in July 2008.  The grant was funded by ADEQ’s Waste Reduction Initiative Through Education, for projects that educate Arizona citizens about waste reduction, recycling, and how to properly dispose of waste.  ERIC will make his first debut on July 1, 2009, @9:00 a.m. in the City of Tempe Public Works/Field Operation Facility, 55 S. Priest.  To find out information about the program click on ERIC:

Contact Us:                                                                                                                                                         Tempe's Field Operations Office                                                                                                                                  480-350-8265                                                                                                                                                       Recycling Hotline                                                                                                                                                           480-350-8145

Trash and Recycling Questions