Recycling Requirements: Surprise vs Tempe
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Surprise, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Surprise has fewer restrictions than Tempe.
Surprise, AZ
Maricopa County
Maricopa County does not mandate recycling for residential properties in unincorporated areas. Recycling service availability depends on your private waste hauler. Arizona has no statewide mandatory recycling law for residential properties. Some private haulers offer optional curbside recycling for an additional fee.
View full Surprise 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 | Surprise | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Mandate | No mandatory recycling in unincorporated areas | - |
| State Law | No statewide residential recycling mandate | - |
| Service | Optional through private haulers | - |
| Cost | Additional fee from hauler if available | - |
| Type | - | Single-stream recycling |
| Accepted | - | Paper, cardboard, plastics #1-5/#7, glass, metals |
| Not Accepted | - | Plastic bags, Styrofoam, food waste, electronics |
| 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.
Surprise FAQ
Is recycling mandatory in unincorporated Maricopa County?
No. Maricopa County has no mandatory recycling ordinance for unincorporated residential properties, and Arizona has no statewide residential recycling mandate. Recycling is voluntary and depends on whether your private waste hauler offers the service.
How do I get curbside recycling in unincorporated Maricopa County?
Contact your private waste hauler (such as Republic Services or Waste Management) to ask about optional single-stream curbside recycling. It typically costs an additional $5 to $15 per month. Not all haulers offer this service in all unincorporated areas.
Where can I dispose of hazardous waste like paint and batteries in Maricopa County?
Maricopa County holds household hazardous waste collection events several times per year for items like paint, batteries, electronics, and chemicals. Check the Maricopa County Environmental Services website for upcoming event dates, locations, and accepted materials.
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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