About Zero Waste Day

Zero Waste Day events are held four times per year to help residents recycle items not permitted in garbage containers and blue recycling containers. Approximately 80-90% of the accepted items are recycled, repurposed or donated for reuse.

The events are open to all Tempe and Guadalupe residents and are typically less busy between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. We are expecting a higher-than-usual volume of participants at this event, and we appreciate your patience as we serve all participating community members.

Proof of Tempe or Guadalupe residency is required. Accepted identification forms include a current driver’s license, lease/rental agreement, mail with name and address, most recent Tempe Water utility bill, or student ID from educational institutions located within Tempe.

The last Zero Waste Day saw 737 cars drove through and 68,669 pounds of waste were diverted from the landfill. Tempe thanks those who show up to divert their waste to help protect the environment.

Accepted items include:

Paper for shredding: household office paper, mail, personal paper documents, books

Household hazardous waste: batteries, cleaning products, fluorescent lighting tubes, used oil, paints, soaps, herbicides/fertilizers, propane cylinders/tanks (5 gal or less), pool chemicals, lawn mowers and other gas-powered items

Styrofoam chunks: packing blocks, ice chests, other large pieces

Electronics and appliances: personal computers, laptops, monitors, cables and power cords, printers, mice and  keyboards, hard drives, tablets, cell phones, DVDs, printer cartridges, calculators, stereos, VCRs, VHS, cassette tapes, TVs, power strips, microwaves, washers/dryers, refrigerators, freezers, smoke detectors

Clothing, furniture, and household items (must be in good condition): clothing, shoes, purses, belts, bedding, towels, toys, stuffed animals, books, cooking accessories, furniture, home décor, housewares, jewelry, tools, musical instruments, sports equipment

Bicycles and bike parts (new or used): bikes, repair stands, cables, pedals, brakes, seats, tires, handlebars

Pet food and supply donations: bedding, brushes, leashes, collars, cages, kennels, humane traps, non-perishable cat and dog food (opened or unopened), perishable cat and dog food (unopened), pet bowls, cat litter, cat furniture, clean towels and blankets (tears and rips are okay), pet toys, terrariums, bird cages

Not accepted: commercial or industrial waste products, plastic bags and wraps, mattresses, car seats, bulk trash, small foam items (foam peanuts, cups, plates, takeout containers or egg cartons), pet medications or pets for surrender. Items delivered in trash bags will not be accepted for health and safety reasons.

Find a complete list of accepted items, drop-off procedures and detailed event information at tempe.gov/ZeroWaste.