Trash & Recycling in Maricopa County, AZ (2026)

5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 9 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.

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Maricopa County does not provide curbside trash collection in unincorporated areas. Property owners must contract with private waste haulers for pickup service. Collection schedules, bin types, and service levels are determined by the private hauler. Properties must be maintained free of accumulated garbage per Ordinance P-11.

Trash Recycling: Pickup Rules

Few Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Bin Placement Rules

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.

Trash Recycling: Bin Placement

Few Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Bulk Item Disposal

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.

Trash Recycling: Bulk Disposal

Few Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Recycling Requirements

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.

Trash Recycling: Recycling Requirements

Few Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Mandatory Organics Recycling

Arizona has no statewide mandatory organics or food-waste recycling law. Maricopa County does not require residential organics separation. Phoenix and Mesa offer voluntary green-organics curbside subscription programs, but compliance is optional countywide.