Bulk Item Disposal: Surprise vs Tempe
How do bulk item disposal rules compare between Surprise, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Surprise and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
Surprise, AZ
Maricopa County
Maricopa County does not provide bulk waste pickup in unincorporated areas. Property owners may haul bulky items to county transfer stations or arrange pickup with their private waste hauler. Illegal dumping is a criminal offense under Arizona law (ARS 13-1603). The county operates several solid waste transfer stations that accept residential waste for a fee.
View full Surprise rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Tempe provides scheduled bulk trash collection for items too large for regular pickup (furniture, appliances, yard waste). Residents can schedule bulk pickups through the city's solid waste division. Items must be placed at the curb on the scheduled date. Hazardous waste and electronics require special disposal through city events or designated drop-off facilities.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Surprise | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk Pickup | Not provided by county | - |
| Transfer Stations | County-operated, fee-based | - |
| Illegal Dumping | Criminal offense (ARS 13-1603) | Prohibited, subject to fines |
| Private Hauler | May offer bulk pickup service | - |
| Service | - | Scheduled bulk trash collection available |
| Eligible Items | - | Furniture, appliances, large yard waste |
| Prohibited | - | Hazardous waste, tires, batteries, electronics, construction debris |
| Scheduling | - | Contact solid waste division to schedule |
| HHW Events | - | City hosts hazardous waste collection events |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Surprise FAQ
How do I dispose of old furniture or appliances in unincorporated Maricopa County?
Unincorporated Maricopa County does not offer bulk waste pickup. You must arrange private hauler pickup or self-haul to a county transfer station such as Cave Creek, Hassayampa, or SR-85. Transfer stations accept bulky items including furniture and appliances for posted fees.
What are the penalties for illegal dumping in Maricopa County?
Illegal dumping exceeding 300 pounds or 100 cubic feet is a Class 6 felony under ARS 13-1603 with fines up to $150,000 for large-scale violations. Smaller amounts are a Class 1 misdemeanor. Report illegal dumping to the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department.
Where are the nearest transfer stations for bulk waste in Maricopa County?
Maricopa County operates transfer stations at Cave Creek, Hassayampa, and SR-85 that accept residential bulky items. Each station has posted fees and accepted item lists. Contact Maricopa County Environmental Services or visit their website for current hours, fees, and accepted materials.
Tempe FAQ
How do I schedule bulk trash pickup in Tempe?
Contact Tempe's solid waste division to schedule a bulk collection date. Place items curbside on the scheduled day.
What can I put out for bulk pickup?
Furniture, appliances (doors removed), mattresses, and large yard waste. Hazardous waste, electronics, and construction debris are not accepted.
Where do I dispose of hazardous waste?
Attend Tempe's periodic household hazardous waste collection events, or use designated drop-off facilities for paint, chemicals, batteries, and electronics.
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