Phoenix, AZ Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Solid waste pickup
- Once per week
- Recycling pickup
- Once per week if enrolled
- Schedule set by
- Public Works Director, per address
- Governing sections
- City Code §§ 27-25, 27-26
Summary
Phoenix collects residential solid waste once per week under the automated "Phoenix Recycles" system, with each address's specific pickup day set by the Public Works Director.
Residents participating in the recycling program receive once-per-week collection of recyclables and once-per-week collection of solid waste. Specific collection days each week are designated by the Director.
B. Recyclables collected from designated "Phoenix Recycles" recycling containers are taken to a materials recovery facility where they are separated into the various categories of recyclables, weighed, and sold to end processors. Materials that cannot be recycled will be taken to a solid waste disposal facility for disposal. Recyclables placed in a recycling container may not be bagged or bundled. (Ord. No. G-4623, § 1, 2004; Ord. No. G-5756, 2012; Ord. No. G-5920, 2014)
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-7524, passed June 17, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Phoenix runs residential trash pickup through the automated "Phoenix Recycles" collection system: households get one solid waste container and, if enrolled, a second recycling container. City Code § 27-25(A) sets collection at once-per-week for solid waste and once-per-week for recyclables. Residents who opt out or get removed from the recycling program under § 27-26(A) still receive once-per-week solid waste service. Specific pickup days each week are designated by the Public Works Director, not chosen by the resident. A separate general minimum-service floor in § 27-14(A)(4) requires at least one-fourth cubic yard of container capacity per dwelling unit, collected not less than twice weekly, as a baseline standard rather than the routine automated-program schedule.
Violations & Fines
Blocking access to a container placed for collection, obstructing the collection vehicle, or removing/tampering with someone else's assigned container violates Chapter 27 and can draw code enforcement action and fines under § 27-35.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does Phoenix pick up trash?
Does recycling pickup happen on the same weekly schedule?
What if I'm not enrolled in Phoenix Recycles?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Phoenix
Compare Phoenix to another location·View the Arizona trash & recycling overview
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