Bin Placement Rules: Surprise vs Tempe
How do bin placement rules rules compare between Surprise, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Surprise has fewer restrictions than Tempe.
Surprise, AZ
Maricopa County
Maricopa County does not regulate trash bin placement in unincorporated areas as there is no county-provided curbside collection. Bin placement rules are set by your private waste hauler's service agreement. General property maintenance under Ordinance P-11 requires that refuse storage not create a nuisance or health hazard.
View full Surprise 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 | Surprise | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Rules | Set by private hauler agreement | - |
| County Rule | No specific bin placement ordinance | - |
| Sanitation | Must not create nuisance | - |
| Ordinance | P-11 general property maintenance | - |
| Placement Time | - | By 5:00 AM on collection day |
| Retrieval | - | Within 24 hours after collection |
| Storage | - | Out of public view between collection days |
| 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.
Surprise FAQ
Can the county fine me for improper bin placement?
The county does not have specific bin placement rules, but if refuse storage creates a nuisance such as odors, pests, or visual blight, code compliance action can be taken.
Can I keep my bins at the curb permanently?
Follow your private hauler's guidelines. Leaving bins at the curb or road edge permanently may be considered a nuisance under county property maintenance ordinances.
Do I need a specific type of trash container?
Your private waste hauler will specify the type of container required. The county only requires that refuse be stored in a sanitary manner that does not create a nuisance.
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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