Trash & Recycling in Maricopa County, AZ (2026)

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 10 cities in Maricopa County, Arizona.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Maricopa County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Illegal Dumping

In unincorporated Maricopa County, dumping rubbish, trash, filth or debris on property you don't own or control is a Class 1 Misdemeanor under County Ordinance P-11, enforced the same way as a zoning violation.

Illegal Dumping Penalties in Maricopa County

Heavy Restrictions

Maricopa County Ordinance P-11, § 205(b)

Places any rubbish, trash, filth or debris upon any private or public property located in the unincorporated areas of the County which is not owned or under the control of the person, firm or corporation.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Dumpster Rules

Commercial developments in unincorporated Maricopa County must screen dumpster and refuse collection areas from public streets, with a three-foot wall, berm, or hedge required along the front property line to block headlight glare.

Maricopa County Commercial Dumpster Screening Rules

Some Restrictions

Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance Section 504

All refuse collection areas shall be screened from view from all public streets. The front property line shall be screened with a 3' screen wall, berm or hedge to minimize headlight glare.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Collection Schedule

In unincorporated Maricopa County, garbage, refuse, rubbish and ashes must be picked up at least once a week. The Environmental Health Code lets the Department grant a hauler a variance to collect less often, but only with an approved plan and regular Department inspections.

Maricopa County Trash Collection Frequency Rule

Some Restrictions

Maricopa County Environmental Health Code, Ch. II, Sec. 5, Reg. 4

REGULATION 4. Frequency of Collection: Variance a. The collection of garbage, refuse, rubbish, and ashes shall be in accordance with regulation of the collection agency except that the frequency of collection shall not be less than once per week. b. A variance from the required frequency of collection in subsection (a) may be granted by the Department to allow for collection less than once week...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗