Tempe Curbside Commingled (Mixed) Recycling

What can I recycle?
Click on the recyclables link for a list of items: recyclable materials

Where to Place Your Blue Recycling Container

• Place container in street with wheels against curb or  in your driveway next to the sidewalk.

• If you need an additional recycling container, the city will provide it to you free at 480-350-8265.

• Don't block the sidewalk with the container.

• Residents are encouraged to place their recycling containers in the garage or behind fences after collection.

• Recycling Collection Map Schedule

To assure your container will be picked up:

• Place container at curb by 6 A.M. on your collection day.

• Place container at least 10 feet from parked vehicles or any fixed object.

• Place only acceptable recyclable materials in container.

• Remove the container from the curb by 8 P.M. on collection day.

• Do not bag your recyclable items.

Recycling should be a part of everyone's daily routine as Tempeans work together to reduce waste and conserve natural resources. By recycling materials, the amount of refuse that is disposed of in landfills is reduced and waste materials are recycled into products with value. With Tempe's curbside commingled recycling program, residents are able to recycle various types of paper, glass, aluminum, cardboard, steel cans, and plastics. With information on setting up a simple backyard composting bin, you will even be able to recycle some of your yard waste (grass, leaves, brush).

Recycling Tips

• Buy better quality products with a longer useful life. These products often have an extended warranty and can be repaired rather than simply being thrown away.

• Buy larger sizes. A single larger size package generally creates less waste than multiple smaller size packages.

•  Buy "refill packs" whenever you can. Many manufacturers of household products are redesigning their packaging so that you will be able to buy small packages of concentrates to refill the larger, more durable containers used to store their products.

•  Don't send useful articles of clothing that your family has outgrown to the landfill. Do a little mending and contribute such articles to a local charity.

•  Have old household appliances repaired rather than send them to the landfill. If you are buying a new appliance, donate the old one, rather than throw it away.

•   Talk to your family so everyone understands the importance of recycling. Collecting items for recycling is a great way for the kids to "earn" their allowance and help the environment at the same time.

•  Plan your meals carefully so that you can help reduce the 11% of waste that comes from food waste.

•  If you work in an office that makes a lot of copies, suggest that everyone try to copy on both sides of the paper. This cuts your use of copy paper in half.

How does the recycling program work? Residents are asked to place their recyclable materials into their recycling container, and wheel it out to the curb on the assigned weekly collection day. All remaining garbage must be sealed in a plastic bag, as required by the Maricopa County Department of Environmental Management and city of Tempe Ordinances, to prevent fly breeding. This bagged garbage is to be placed in the regular refuse container, and will be picked up on the other weekly collection day.