Recycling Requirements: Mesa vs Tempe
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Mesa, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Mesa and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
Mesa, AZ
Maricopa County
Mesa provides single-stream curbside recycling collection in blue carts. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and containers (#1-#7), aluminum and tin cans, and glass bottles. Mesa follows a single-stream system where all recyclables go in one bin. Contamination from non-recyclable items is a significant concern, and the city provides education on what can and cannot be recycled.
View full Mesa rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Tempe provides single-stream recycling collection as part of its solid waste program. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastics #1-5 and #7, glass, and metals. Contamination is a significant issue — the city rejects bins with food waste, plastic bags, or non-recyclable items. Tempe aims to increase recycling participation and reduce landfill waste.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mesa | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| System | Single-stream curbside recycling | - |
| Cart Color | Blue cart | - |
| Accepted | Paper, cardboard, plastics #1-7, cans, glass | Paper, cardboard, plastics #1-5/#7, glass, metals |
| Not Accepted | Plastic bags, food waste, styrofoam, electronics | Plastic bags, Styrofoam, food waste, electronics |
| Collection | Weekly on same day as trash | - |
| Type | - | Single-stream recycling |
| Contamination | - | Contaminated bins may be left uncollected |
| Plastic Bags | - | Return to grocery stores, not curbside |
| Education | - | City provides recycling guides and outreach |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mesa FAQ
What can I recycle in Mesa?
Mesa accepts paper, cardboard, plastic containers (#1-#7), aluminum and tin cans, and glass bottles in the blue recycling cart. Do not include plastic bags, styrofoam, food-soiled items, or electronics — these contaminate the recycling stream.
Is recycling mandatory in Mesa?
Mesa provides recycling service to all residential customers and strongly encourages participation, but there is no mandatory recycling ordinance for single-family residences. Commercial properties may have separate recycling requirements.
Tempe FAQ
What can I recycle in Tempe?
Paper, cardboard, plastic bottles/containers (#1-5, #7), glass bottles/jars, and metal cans. Must be clean and dry.
Why was my recycling bin left uncollected?
Likely contamination. Check for plastic bags, food waste, Styrofoam, or non-recyclable items. An educational tag may be attached.
Where do I recycle plastic bags?
Take plastic bags to grocery store collection bins. Do not put them in curbside recycling bins as they jam sorting equipment.
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