Tucson

Recycling Guidelines

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

Mixed Recycling: Plastic, paper, metal and glass can be comingled together in your single-stream recycling collection

PLASTIC

Look for plastic items labeled #1 - #5. Lids and caps can stay on bottles and containers.

  • Bottles- beverage, food, etc.
  • Containers- fruit, baked goods, yogurt, etc.
  • Jugs- milk, cleaning supplies, etc.
Lids and caps can stay on bottles and containers
Plastic, single-serve to-go containers with no food residue

METAL

Look for tin, aluminum and other metal items

  • Aluminum cans- food, beverage, etc.
  • Aluminum foil
  • Aluminum food pans
  • Metal- food, beverage, etc.
  • Spray cans- hairspray, oil, sunscreen, whipped cream, etc.

Tin, aluminum, steel, and empty aerosol cans

PAPER

Look for Paper items

Paper can be recycled up to seven times, depending on the quality

Cardboard tubes from wrapping or toilet paper rolls

GLASS

Look for glass food jars and drink bottles

  • Bottles- food, beverage, etc.
  • Jars- food, beverage, etc.

Bottles and jars (Lids and caps can stay on)

Clean and dry your glass bottles

Mixed Recycling: Plastic, paper, metal and glass can be comingled together in your single-stream recycling collection

Doorstep Recycling Collection
Place acceptable recyclables in a securely tied, see-thru bag, separate from your trash and place in your bin, outside your front door with your scheduled trash collection.

When in Doubt – Toss it Out
Please do not place any unacceptable items in communal recycling containers or in your household recycling bags. Remember, if recycling contains “contaminants” (non-recyclable items or containers not properly cleaned), the whole batch may be rejected and sent to a land fill. When in doubt – best to toss it out!

What can NOT be recycled

  • Plastic bags (except shredded paper).
  • Garbage.
  • Food or liquids
  • Tissue paper
  • Paper towels
  • Paper with glitter
  • Tissues
  • Scrap metals
  • Batteries
  • Electrical wires

If in doubt whether an item is recyclable, call 520-791-5000 to find out or put it in the garbage. https://www.tucsonaz.gov/es/recycle-coach

Recycle Collection Tips

The City of Tucson has seven Neighborhood Recycling Centers where residents can drop off any materials accepted in the Blue Barrel. These centers provide an additional option for times you may generate more recyclables than normal. These are also available to residents who live in multi-family apartment or townhome communities that do not have regular recycling collections
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/es/neighborhood-recycling-centers

Alternative Recycling Options:
Glass Reuse Plan (Purple Containers at Drop Off Locations)
The removal of the glass from the City’s residential blue bin curbside recycling program allows the Department to transition from glass recycling to glass reuse through a network of community wide glass drop-off locations.
Glass Reuse Plan, Purple Container Drop Off Locations:
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/es/announcement/glass-reuse-plan

Multifamily-specific highlights. Check with your municipality for the latest guidelines.

Guidelines for Commercial Recycling

  • All recyclable materials go in one container – no sorting needed.
  • Do not bag recyclables.
  • Contaminated loads will be charged at garbage collection rates.
  • Please make sure materials are clean, empty, and dry.
  • Lightly rinse food containers. Use water wisely — throw very dirty items into the garbage.
  • All recyclables go loose into the blue container together — no sorting!
  • Please flatten cardboard boxes. Remove plastic wrapping and liners.
  • Shredded paper may be recycled in the blue barrel if it is secured in a clear plastic bag.
  • Please make sure materials are clean, empty, and dry.
  • Leave labels on containers.
  • Bottle and jar caps and lids can be recycled, but only if left on.
  • Lightly rinse food containers. Use water wisely – throw very dirty items into the garbage.
  • Do not flatten cans and bottles to ensure sorting equipment works properly.

If in doubt whether an item is recyclable, call 520-791-5000 to find out or put it in the garbage.

Guidelines for Commercial Recycling

  • All recyclable materials go in one container – no sorting needed.
  • Do not bag recyclables.
  • Contaminated loads will be charged at garbage collection rates.
  • Please make sure materials are clean, empty, and dry.
  • Lightly rinse food containers. Use water wisely — throw very dirty items into the garbage.
  • All recyclables go loose into the blue container together — no sorting!
  • Please flatten cardboard boxes. Remove plastic wrapping and liners.
  • Shredded paper may be recycled in the blue barrel if it is secured in a clear plastic bag.
  • Please make sure materials are clean, empty, and dry.
  • Leave labels on containers.
  • Bottle and jar caps and lids can be recycled, but only if left on.
  • Lightly rinse food containers. Use water wisely – throw very dirty items into the garbage.
  • Do not flatten cans and bottles to ensure sorting equipment works properly.

If in doubt whether an item is recyclable, call 520-791-5000 to find out or put it in the garbage.

Plastics
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/es/plastic-recycling
Plastic bottles, jugs and containers (lids and labels may be left on)

Paper
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/es/paper-recycling
Copy paper, colored paper, mail, envelops and newspapers
Shredded paper may be recycled in the Blue Barrel if it is secured in a clear plastic bag
NOTE: This is the only time that plastic bags can go in the recycling container

Metal
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/es/metal-recycling

Cardboard
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/es/cardboard-recycling

Learn more about recycling in your city.

For more information, please contact:

Tucson Solid Waste Management
Administration: 520-791-3175
Customer Service: 520-791-3171
Landfill Information:  520-791-4183
Recycling Information: 520-791-5000
Household Hazardous Waste Information:520-791-3171

This information is not your official community or municipality guidelines. Recycling mandates may change based on the local processing capabilities and shifting markets. Contact your leasing office or local recycling agency to learn more or use the links under the “Recycling Resources"