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.
Tempe's single-stream recycling program collects all recyclables in one bin. Accepted materials include paper and cardboard (flattened), plastic bottles and containers (#1-5, #7), glass bottles and jars, and metal cans. Materials must be clean and dry. Contamination from food waste, plastic bags, Styrofoam, and non-recyclable plastics is a major challenge. Contaminated recycling bins may be left uncollected with an educational tag. The city provides recycling education materials and community outreach. Large cardboard boxes should be broken down flat. Plastic bags can be recycled at grocery stores but should not go in curbside bins (they jam sorting equipment). Electronics, batteries, and hazardous waste require separate disposal. Tempe participates in regional recycling education through the Arizona Recycling Coalition. The city tracks recycling diversion rates as part of sustainability goals.
Contaminated recycling bins may be rejected. Persistent contamination may result in loss of recycling service.
Tempe, AZ
Tempe regulates industrial noise through Chapter 20 (Noise) of the City Code and the Zoning and Development Code. Industrial uses must not generate noise exc...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe addresses barking dogs under both the noise ordinance (Chapter 20) and animal control regulations. Dogs that bark persistently and disturb neighbors ca...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe requires vehicles to park on approved hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt driveways. Parking on dirt, gravel, or landscaped areas is prohibited. ...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe generally does not require a building permit for standard residential fences up to 6 feet in height. Fences exceeding 6 feet, masonry walls, and fences...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe's Zoning and Development Code regulates fence materials in residential zones. Common permitted materials include block, stucco, wrought iron, wood, vin...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe's zoning code limits residential fence heights to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 3 feet in front yards. Corner lots may have additional visibility t...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle recycling requirements.
See how Tempe's recycling requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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