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

Bag Central Station Events

Tempe and the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance are collaborating this summer to promote the "Bag Central Station - Where Plastic Bags Belong" program.  Many Tempe area grocery stores have volunteered to participate in the program and offer bins for customers to bring in plastic grocery bags for recycling.  In August, Tempe Public Works/Solid Waste staff will distribute reusable shopping bags at these locations and encourage residents to drop off plastic grocery bags:

Saturday, August 2, from 10:00 a.m. to noon
Albertsons grocery store at 750 E. Guadalupe Rd. (Guadalupe and Rural Rd.)

Saturday, August 9, from 10:00 a.m. to noon
Fry's grocery stores:
3232 S. Mill Ave. (Mill and Southern),  3255 S. Rural Rd. (Rural and Southern), 5100 S. McClintock (McClintock and Baseline Rd.) 2700 W. Baseline Rd. (48th street and Baseline)

Saturday, August 16, from 10:00 a.m. to noon
Sunflower Market at 1706 E. Southern Ave. (McClintock Dr. and Southern)
Wal-Mart at 1380 W. Elliot Rd. (Elliot Rd. and Priest Dr.)

Saturday, August 23 from 10:00 a.m. to noon
Safeway grocery stores:
926 E. Broadway Rd. (Broadway and Rural Rd.) and 1515 E. Elliot Rd. (Elliot Rd. and McClintock Dr.)
 

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

Trash and Recycling Questions