Bin Placement Rules: Mesa vs Tempe
How do bin placement rules rules compare between Mesa, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Mesa and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
Mesa, AZ
Maricopa County
Mesa requires trash and recycling carts to be placed at the curb with lids closed and handles facing the house. Carts must be spaced at least 3 feet apart and 3 feet from any obstacles such as mailboxes, parked cars, or utility poles. When not on collection day, carts must be stored out of public view, typically behind a gate or in a garage.
View full Mesa rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Tempe requires trash and recycling bins to be placed at the curb by 5 AM on collection day and returned within 24 hours. Between collections, bins must be stored out of public view. The city provides automated curbside collection. Bins should not block sidewalks or driveways when placed for pickup.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mesa | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Spacing | 3 feet apart and from obstacles | - |
| Orientation | Handles facing the house, lids closed | - |
| Storage | Out of public view when not collected | Out of public view between collection days |
| Location | At curb, not blocking sidewalk | - |
| Violation | Code Compliance enforces improper storage | - |
| Placement Time | - | By 5:00 AM on collection day |
| Retrieval | - | Within 24 hours after collection |
| Positioning | - | Handles facing house, clear of sidewalks |
| Services | - | Trash, recycling, green waste curbside |
| Enforcement | - | Code Compliance (Open M.I.N.D.) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mesa FAQ
How should I place my trash carts in Mesa?
Place carts at the curb with handles facing your house and lids closed. Space carts at least 3 feet apart and 3 feet from any obstacles like mailboxes, parked cars, or poles. Do not block the sidewalk.
Where must I store my carts between collections?
Carts must be stored out of public view between collection days — behind a wall, fence, or in the garage. Leaving carts visible at the curb or in front of your home may result in a Code Compliance violation.
Tempe FAQ
When do I put bins out in Tempe?
Place bins at the curb by 5:00 AM on your scheduled collection day. They may be put out the evening before.
How should I position my bins?
Handles facing the house, with space between containers. Do not block sidewalks, driveways, or mailboxes.
Where do I store bins between pickups?
Out of public view — behind a fence, in the garage, or inside a side yard.
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