Tempe Bulk Trash Pickup, Garbage & Large Item Schedule 2026
This Tempe bulk trash guide is written for residents who need to know exactly when to put out furniture, mattresses, bagged trash, brush, cactus, palm fronds, washers, microwaves or green organics without getting tagged, skipped or forced to wait another two months.
Enter your ZIP code below — we'll take you straight to your city's official schedule. No searching, no confusion.
Tempe Bulk Trash Pickup Lookup — Find Your Area Before Setting Out Large Items
The most important step is to find your Tempe bulk collection area. Tempe divides the city into Areas A through H. Rural Road, Alameda Drive, the Superstition Freeway / US 60 and the Western Canal are major boundaries, but the official map should be your final check because a small route-boundary mistake can leave a bulk pile outside for weeks.
Open the official Tempe bulk schedule
Use the City of Tempe bulk trash and green organics page. The official 2026 schedule lists Areas A-H and their six collection weeks.
Match your area
Use the map boundaries and your address. If you are unsure, call Tempe 311 at 480-350-4311 before placing material outside.
Place material out at the right time
Items must be out by 6 a.m. Monday of your scheduled week and no earlier than 10 days before that week.
Separate trash from green organics
Place bulk trash and green organics in two distinct piles with at least 4 feet between them. Mixed piles are a common reason for problems.
Tempe Bulk Garbage Schedule 2026 — Key Rules in One Screen
What Tempe wants residents to do
- Check your Area A-H collection week.
- Put material out by 6 a.m. Monday of your scheduled week.
- Do not set material out more than 10 days early.
- Separate green organics from mixed bulk trash.
- Keep all piles 4 feet from containers, fire hydrants, gas meters and utility boxes.
- Limit material to 10 cubic yards, about the size of a small SUV.
What Tempe will not collect in bulk
- Refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers and AC units with freon.
- Tires, car parts and railroad ties.
- Paint, oil, cleaners or other hazardous chemicals.
- Glass or mirrors.
- Dirt, rocks, concrete, bricks, cement blocks, asphalt and landscape gravel.
- Construction and remodeling debris such as drywall, flooring, carpet, padding, roofing and scrap lumber.
Tempe 2026 Bulk Trash Collection Schedule — Areas A-H
The table below follows the official 2026 Tempe bulk trash and green organics schedule. Collection happens during the listed week, but residents should have material out by 6 a.m. Monday. Crews may collect any time during the scheduled week.
| Area | 2026 collection weeks | Quick boundary guide |
|---|---|---|
| Area A | Feb. 16-20; April 20-24; June 22-26; Aug. 24-28; Oct. 26-30; Dec. 28-Jan. 1, 2027 | West of Rural Road and north of Alameda Drive. |
| Area B | Dec. 29, 2025-Jan. 2; Feb. 23-27; April 27-May 1; June 29-July 3; Aug. 31-Sept. 4; Nov. 2-6 | East of Rural Road and north of Alameda Drive. |
| Area C | Jan. 5-9; March 2-6; May 4-8; July 6-10; Sept. 7-11; Nov. 9-13 | West of Rural Road, south of Alameda Drive and north of US 60. |
| Area D | Jan. 12-16; March 9-13; May 11-15; July 13-17; Sept. 14-18; Nov. 16-20 | East of Rural Road, south of Alameda Drive and north of US 60. |
| Area E | Jan. 19-23; March 16-20; May 18-22; July 20-24; Sept. 21-25; Nov. 23-27 | West of Rural Road and south of US 60. |
| Area F | Jan. 26-30; March 23-27; May 25-29; July 27-31; Sept. 28-Oct. 2; Nov. 30-Dec. 4 | East of Rural Road, south of US 60 and north of the Western Canal. |
| Area G | Feb. 2-6; April 6-10; June 8-12; Aug. 10-14; Oct. 12-16; Dec. 14-18 | West of Rural Road and south of the Western Canal. |
| Area H | Feb. 9-13; April 13-17; June 15-19; Aug. 17-21; Oct. 19-23; Dec. 21-25 | East of Rural Road and south of the Western Canal. |
Tempe Area A-H Map Logic — How to Read the Bulk Trash Zones
Tempe’s 2026 bulk schedule describes the city by major boundaries. Rural Road divides east and west. Alameda Drive, US 60 / Superstition Freeway and the Western Canal divide the city into collection areas. Use this explanation only as a guide; the official map is the final authority.
North Tempe
- Area A: West of Rural Road, north of Alameda Drive.
- Area B: East of Rural Road, north of Alameda Drive.
- These areas include many neighborhoods where bulk piles can appear early if residents confuse the week.
- Check exact address before setting material out.
Central Tempe
- Area C: West of Rural Road, south of Alameda and north of US 60.
- Area D: East of Rural Road, south of Alameda and north of US 60.
- Route boundaries around major roads can confuse renters and new homeowners.
- Use the official PDF/map if your street is close to Alameda, Rural Road or US 60.
South of US 60
- Area E: West of Rural Road, south of US 60.
- Area F: East of Rural Road, south of US 60 and north of Western Canal.
- Area F has dates that sometimes align with holiday weeks, but the bulk page says holidays observed during the week do not affect bulk collection.
South Tempe
- Area G: West of Rural Road and south of the Western Canal.
- Area H: East of Rural Road and south of the Western Canal.
- Set reminders because these areas can have long gaps between collection weeks.
- Consider the transfer station if you miss a collection week.
Tempe Bulk Trash Placement Rules — Curbside, Alley and 4-Foot Clearance
Tempe tells residents to place bulk items in the same location as regular trash and recycling collection. That means curbside homes use the property line / street / front edge of the driveway, while alley homes use the alley along the fence line. The location matters because bulk trucks need clear equipment access.
Curbside collection homes
- Place bulk on your property line, in the street, or at the front edge of the driveway.
- Do not block the sidewalk.
- Keep material away from solid waste containers and fixed objects.
- Do not place material over manhole covers.
- Have the pile out by 6 a.m. Monday of the scheduled week.
Alley collection homes
- Place bulk items in the alley along your fence line.
- Do not block the alley.
- Keep branches, brush and furniture clear of containers.
- Maintain access for City equipment and neighboring properties.
- Trim vegetation that blocks alley access for regular collection.
What Tempe Bulk Trash Accepts — Furniture, Mattresses, Bagged Trash and Small Appliances
Tempe bulk trash is for items too large for your regular trash container. The City lists common accepted items, but residents should still use common sense: donate usable furniture when possible, bag loose trash and keep hazardous or prohibited items out of the pile.
Accepted bulk trash examples
- Furniture that cannot be donated.
- Mattresses.
- Bagged trash.
- Small appliances without freon.
- Washers.
- Microwaves.
Accepted green organics examples
- Tree trimmings and brush up to 4 feet long and 19 inches in diameter.
- Leaves.
- Pine needles.
- Grass, small hedge clippings and weeds in cardboard boxes or compostable bags.
- Cactus clippings in cardboard boxes.
- Palm fronds and oleanders.
What Tempe Bulk Trash Will Not Pick Up — Freon, Tires, Glass, Dirt and Remodeling Debris
Many “large item pickup” problems happen because residents assume anything big can go in the bulk pile. Tempe’s prohibited list is clear: several common cleanup items must go to the transfer station, Household Products Collection Center, Zero Waste Day event, Johnson Stewart Materials or a paid disposal option.
| Item type | Not allowed in regular bulk? | Better option |
|---|---|---|
| Freon appliances | Refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers and AC units are prohibited in bulk. | Use HPCC or transfer station guidance; freon appliances can carry fees at disposal facilities. |
| Tires and car parts | Tires and car parts are not accepted in Tempe bulk trash. | Use approved tire or automotive disposal options. |
| Hazardous items | Paint, oil, cleaners and hazardous chemicals are prohibited. | Use the Household Products Collection Center or Zero Waste Days when available. |
| Glass and mirrors | Glass and mirrors are listed as prohibited. | Check Tempe 311 for disposal guidance before placing broken glass anywhere. |
| Dirt and inert material | Dirt, rocks, concrete, bricks, cement blocks, asphalt and landscape gravel are prohibited. | Tempe points residents toward Johnson Stewart Materials for dirt and inert material disposal for a fee. |
| Construction debris | Drywall, plaster, scrap lumber, flooring, carpet, padding and roofing material are not accepted. | Use transfer station, roll-off rental, contractor disposal or approved construction debris disposal. |
Tempe Bulk Trash Video Guide — Green Organics and Large Item Pickup
This City of Tempe bulk trash program video is useful for residents who want a visual explanation of how bulk trash and green organics collection works. It supports the article’s guidance on separating piles, timing set-out correctly, and understanding why green organics should be kept clean for composting.
Best for: New Tempe residents, renters, homeowners doing yard cleanup, residents with alley collection, and anyone unsure whether furniture, mattresses, bagged trash, brush or cactus should be placed in separate bulk and green organics piles.
This video supports the practical guidance in this article. For exact 2026 pickup dates, area boundaries, holiday notes, transfer station rules, disposal fees, household hazardous waste rules and service alerts, residents should still verify details through the official City of Tempe links below.
Tempe Weekly Trash Pickup — Curbside and Alley Collection Rules
Bulk collection is separate from weekly trash collection. Tempe provides weekly residential garbage collection for single-family homes through curbside or alley service. Regular trash should be bagged and tied, placed inside the trash container and kept with the lid closed.
Curbside trash collection
- Regular trash collection is once per week.
- Place the container at curbside or in the driveway by 6 a.m.
- Remove the container by 8 p.m. the same day.
- Keep the container 4 feet away from fixed objects.
- Do not block the sidewalk.
Alley trash collection
- Use the closest trash container.
- If that container is full, use the next adjacent one.
- Do not move trash containers.
- Maintain alley areas from your property to the center of the alley.
- Keep tree limbs and branches at least 13.5 feet above alleyways.
Tempe Green Organics Collection — Bulk Weeks, Optional Curbside Containers and Compost
Tempe collects green organics separately from mixed bulk trash so the material can be taken to a local contractor and processed into compost. This is why Tempe requires green organics and mixed bulk trash to be in separate piles.
Green organics during bulk collection
- Keep green material clean and free of other materials.
- Separate green organics from trash by at least 4 feet.
- Use cardboard boxes or compostable bags for leaves, grass, small clippings and cactus clippings.
- Do not allow landscapers to place green organics for collection.
- Only place green organics from your own yard work.
Optional curbside green organics container
- Available only in select Tempe areas.
- Residents should call Tempe 311 to verify eligibility.
- The listed cost is $6.24 per month per green organics container.
- Tempe asks residents to allow up to two weeks for container delivery after signup.
- This helps residents trim year-round without waiting for bulk week.
Tempe Transfer Station, HPCC and Special Pickup — What to Do If You Miss Bulk Week
If you miss your scheduled bulk collection week, Tempe lists several official options. The right option depends on the material. General waste may go to the transfer station if you qualify, hazardous material and refrigerators may go through HPCC guidance, and a special bulk pickup can be requested for a fee.
Sky Harbor Regional Transfer Station
- Address: 2425 S. 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034.
- Phone: 602-454-2050.
- Tempe residential solid waste customers may dispose of up to 1,000 pounds in one trip per month at no additional charge.
- Bring a current Tempe utility services bill and driver license with matching address.
- Final load must arrive within 30 minutes of closing.
- Hours listed by Tempe: Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 6 a.m.-2 p.m.; closed Sundays and major holidays.
Transfer station restrictions
- Loads over 1,000 pounds are charged gate rate and use the monthly free benefit.
- Someone else cannot dispose of waste on your behalf.
- Large multifamily, townhouse, condo, contractor, landscaper and business loads may not qualify for free residential disposal.
- The transfer station does not accept soil, hazardous waste, batteries, liquid waste, enclosed containers, car bodies, tires or e-waste.
- Residents must wear a safety vest; dump trailers also require a hard hat.
Special bulk pickup
Residents may request a special bulk trash or green organics pickup outside the regular schedule for a fee. Call Tempe 311 at 480-350-4311 for pricing or scheduling.
HPCC and Zero Waste Days
Tempe points residents to the Household Products Collection Center for household hazardous waste and items such as refrigerators. Zero Waste Days are held quarterly for materials that cannot go in regular trash or recycling.
Sky Harbor Regional Transfer Station Map
Tempe Bulk Trash Not Picked Up — What to Check Before Calling 311
Tempe says bulk trash and green organics collection may occasionally be delayed. Before reporting a missed bulk pickup, check whether it is still your scheduled collection week and whether the pile followed placement, clearance, material and size rules.
Confirm your area and week
Make sure you used the correct Area A-H date. A nearby street can be a different area if it crosses a major boundary.
Check timing
Was the pile out by 6 a.m. Monday? Was it placed no more than 10 days early? Late or too-early piles can create problems.
Check pile setup
Are trash and green organics in separate piles? Are they 4 feet apart? Are they 4 feet from containers, hydrants, meters and utility boxes?
Check material rules
Is there freon, tires, glass, mirrors, car parts, hazardous waste, dirt, concrete or remodeling debris in the pile? Prohibited items can block collection.
Call Tempe 311 or submit feedback
For delayed or missed solid waste collection, call 480-350-4311 or use the City’s solid waste service / feedback form. Tempe says staff will respond to submitted requests within two business days.
Tempe Bulk Trash Contacts, City Hall, Transfer Station and Official Links
| Need | Official contact / link | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Tempe 311 | 480-350-4311 | Bulk delays, special pickup pricing, missed collection, feedback, green organics eligibility and general solid waste questions. |
| New residential service | 480-350-8361 | Starting residential solid waste and recycling service. |
| City Hall | 31 E. 5th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | General City contact address listed on Tempe solid waste pages. |
| Sky Harbor Regional Transfer Station | 2425 S. 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034; 602-454-2050 | Qualified residential disposal up to 1,000 pounds once per month, plus paid disposal over the limit. |
| Solid waste feedback form | Request Service / Feedback Form | Report missed collection or provide feedback on Tempe Solid Waste services. |
City of Tempe City Hall Map
Official Tempe solid waste links
Related trash-pickup.org guides
Tempe Bulk Trash Pickup FAQ — Large Items, Green Organics and Schedule Questions
How often does Tempe collect bulk trash?
Tempe collects bulk trash every other month, six times per year, based on Area A-H. The official 2026 schedule lists each area’s six collection weeks.
What time do Tempe bulk items need to be out?
Bulk trash and green organics must be placed out by 6 a.m. on Monday of your scheduled collection week. Items should not be placed out more than 10 days before the scheduled week.
How do I know my Tempe bulk trash area?
Use the official 2026 City of Tempe bulk collection map. Areas A-H are based on Rural Road, Alameda Drive, US 60 / Superstition Freeway and the Western Canal. If you are near a boundary, call Tempe 311 at 480-350-4311.
What is the Tempe bulk trash pile size limit?
Tempe limits material to 10 cubic yards, about the size of a small SUV. Oversized piles may be skipped, delayed or require another disposal option.
Can I mix green organics with bulk trash in Tempe?
No. Tempe requires trash and green organics to be separated into two distinct piles and placed 4 feet apart. Green organics must be clean and free of other material.
Can landscapers put green organics out for Tempe collection?
No. Tempe says landscapers are prohibited from placing green organic material for collection. Only homeowners who perform their own yard work may place their own green organics for collection.
What bulk trash items does Tempe accept?
Accepted bulk trash examples include furniture that cannot be donated, mattresses, bagged trash, small appliances without freon, washers and microwaves.
What items are prohibited in Tempe bulk trash?
Prohibited items include freon appliances, tires, unbagged animal waste, uncontained trash, glass or mirrors, household hazardous items, car parts, railroad ties, dirt, rocks, concrete, bricks, asphalt, landscape gravel and construction or remodeling debris.
Do holidays affect Tempe bulk trash pickup?
Tempe’s bulk trash page says holidays observed during the week will not affect the bulk collection schedule. Regular trash, recycling and green waste holiday changes are handled on the City holiday schedule page.
What if I miss my Tempe bulk pickup week?
Options include requesting a special bulk trash or green organics pickup for a fee by calling 480-350-4311, using the Sky Harbor Regional Transfer Station if you qualify, using HPCC for household hazardous waste and refrigerators, or waiting for the next scheduled bulk week.
Can Tempe residents use the transfer station for free?
Qualified Tempe residential solid waste customers may dispose of up to 1,000 pounds of waste in one trip per month at the Sky Harbor Regional Transfer Station at no additional charge. Bring a recent Tempe utility bill and driver license with matching address.
Does this guide apply to all apartments and condos in Tempe?
Not always. Tempe says residential customers receiving commercial collection service, which is typical for large multifamily, townhouse and condominium communities, may not qualify for some residential disposal benefits. Ask your property manager or call Tempe 311.
Source Verification and Editorial Note
Independent information guide — not affiliated with the City of Tempe. trash-pickup.org is a public information resource. We do not operate Tempe bulk trash collection, green organics pickup, weekly garbage collection, transfer stations, HPCC, Zero Waste Days, Tempe 311 or utility billing.
Bulk schedule dates, Area A-H boundaries, set-out deadline, placement rules, accepted items, prohibited items, transfer station details, green organics program details, holiday notes and Tempe 311 contacts were checked against official City of Tempe resources as of May 2026. Schedules, fees, facility hours, accepted items, eligibility and service alerts can change. Always verify through official Tempe links before placing material out.
- City of Tempe — Bulk Trash and Green Organics Collection
- City of Tempe — 2026 Bulk Collection Map and Schedule PDF
- City of Tempe — Garbage Collection
- City of Tempe — Holiday Schedule
- City of Tempe — Transfer Station Public Waste Disposal
- City of Tempe — Curbside Green Organics Collection Program
- City of Tempe — Zero Waste Days
- City of Tempe — Request Service / Feedback Form
- Tempe Bulk Trash Program Video
Franklin TN Trash Tools
Holiday calculator | Buck-A-Bag counter | Recycling checker
Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Call (615) 794-1516 to confirm