Gilbert, AZ Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Recyclables condition
- Clean, empty, dry, and loose, not bagged
- Boxes/cartons
- Must be cut up or collapsed first
- Shredded paper
- Only item required in a clear plastic bag
- Collection scope
- Only material inside the recycling container
- Enforcement
- Civil offense citation under §§ 66-274, 66-275
Summary
Gilbert requires curbside recyclables to be clean, empty, dry and loose, never bagged or sealed in a box, before they go in the town's recycling container. Only material that fits that standard gets collected, and shredded paper must be bagged clear so collectors can see it.
(c)Recycling. Recyclables shall be prepared for pickup as follows:(1)Recyclables must be reasonably clean, empty, dry and loose, and shall not be bagged or put in sealed box when placed in recycling containers.(2)Only recyclables may be placed in recycling containers. Large boxes and cartons shall be cut up or collapsed before being placed in recycling containers.(3)Recycling collection service will collect only recyclables contained in the recycling containers.(4)Shredded paper must be in a clear plastic bag when placed in recycling containers.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 102).
Full Breakdown
Code of Gilbert § 66-288(c) sets the preparation standard for residential recycling pickup. Recyclables must be reasonably clean, empty, dry, and loose when placed in the town-supplied recycling container, they cannot be bagged or sealed inside a box, which would keep the material from being sorted at the recovery facility. Only items that qualify as recyclables may go in the recycling container; large boxes and cartons must be cut up or collapsed first so they don't take up excess space or jam the truck's mechanism.
The town's recycling collection service picks up only material actually inside the recycling container, items left beside it are not collected. Shredded paper is the one exception to the "no bagging" rule: because loose shredded paper blows away and contaminates other recyclables, § 66-288(c)(4) requires it to be placed in a clear plastic bag so the contents remain visible to collection crews. These requirements sit inside the broader refuse-preparation article, § 66-288, which opens by stating the town will only collect refuse or recycling that is properly prepared, and that anyone who violates a preparation requirement is subject to a civil offense citation and abatement under §§ 66-274 and 66-275.
Violations & Fines
Failing to prepare recyclables under § 66-288(c) is a civil offense under § 66-288(a), subject to citation and civil sanctions; the town can also tag or condemn a non-compliant recycling container under § 66-274 and remove it at the responsible party's expense if the violation isn't corrected within ten days of notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put recyclables in a garbage bag for pickup in Gilbert?
Does shredded paper have to be bagged differently?
What happens if I put non-recyclables in the recycling bin?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gilbert
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