Phoenix trash & bulky-item rules

Phoenix replaced the old standing bulk schedule with an appointment system. Residential City trash customers can schedule online or call Public Works at 602-262-6251. Each household currently receives four bulk-trash collection opportunities per calendar year.

Appointments can be made as late as three business days in advance when space is available and can be booked far ahead. Residents should have a confirmed appointment before beginning to set material at the curb.

The maximum pile is 10 cubic yards per residence. Material should be in one pile no more than about five feet from the street/curb or front edge of the property and at least 5 feet from fixed objects.

Everything must be ready by 5:30 a.m. on the appointment date. Phoenix also explicitly says bulk material may not be placed out more than seven days before the scheduled appointment; earlier set-out violates City ordinance.

Ordinary residential furniture and household bulky material can be included when it meets the pile rules. Phoenix also accepts qualifying yard waste: grass, leaves and small clippings must be securely bagged and tied, and tree trimmings must be under 12 inches in diameter and 4 feet in length.

Tree trunks or stumps longer than four feet or larger than twelve inches in diameter are outside the normal program.

The prohibited list is important. Tires of any size are excluded. So are refrigerant-containing refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners, glass and mirrors, Bagster-type bags, more than two wooden pallets and household hazardous waste such as paint, oil, batteries, antifreeze and pool chemicals.

Bricks, concrete, dirt, rocks, asphalt and roofing shingles/tiles are excluded. Construction or demolition material over 25 pounds or longer than four feet is also prohibited, so the bulk program should not be treated as a renovation-debris service.

Phoenix provides separate appliance-recycling and household-hazardous-waste options for excluded material. Tires also require a dedicated tire/recycling route rather than curbside bulk collection. Residents should check the City’s item-specific disposal resources before setting out anything that is not ordinary furniture or qualifying yard waste.

For Phoenix, start with the local authority links below. Recheck them before a special trip or unusual set-out because programs, prices and facility hours can change.

• City of Phoenix Bulk TrashFour annual opportunities, 10 yd³ limit, 5:30 a.m. set-out, seven-day rule and prohibited items.
• Phoenix Appliance RecyclingAlternative route for refrigerators, freezers and other excluded appliances.