Mesa Trash Pickup Schedule, Recycling & Bulk 2026

Find your Solid Waste collection day, recycling program, green yard waste barrel, bulk item pickup, and holiday schedule for Mesa, AZ.

City of Mesa · Solid Waste Management Department · Updated March 2026

⭐ Collection Day Finder

Find Your Mesa Collection Day

Select your regular collection day to see your full schedule — trash, recycling, green yard waste, bulk rules, and Mesa’s unique holiday policy.

👈 Select your day above to see your complete Mesa collection schedule.

⚠ Don’t know your day? Use Mesa’s official Trash Collection Schedule lookup or call (480) 644-2221.  All contact options ↓

At a Glance

Mesa Waste Collection — Quick Facts

The City of Mesa Solid Waste Management Department serves over 140,000 households with weekly curbside collection. Mesa operates a three-barrel system: black for trash, blue for recycling, and green for yard waste. All three are collected on the same weekday, once per week. Mesa holds a remarkable distinction among US cities: collection is provided on every single holiday with no delays.

🗑
Garbage
Weekly
Black barrel, Mon–Fri
♻
Recycling
Weekly
Blue barrel, included free
🌿
Yard Waste
Weekly (optional)
Green barrel, added fee
📦
Bulk Items
By appointment (fee)
From $29/load
🎊
Holidays
ZERO delays
All 11 holidays: normal service
🎊 Mesa collects on every holiday — no exceptions. This is one of Mesa’s most notable service features. Trash, recycling, and yard waste are collected on their normal day even on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. No delays, no sliding schedules. Roll your barrel out by 6:00 a.m. on your regular day, every week of the year.
🔗 Related Guide How trash collection works across the US: How Trash Collection Works in the US (Schedules, Times & Rules)
Three-Barrel System

Mesa’s Three-Barrel System — What Goes Where

Every Mesa Solid Waste residential customer receives a black trash barrel and a blue recycling barrel as part of standard service. A green yard waste barrel can be added for an extra monthly fee. All three barrels are collected on the same weekday, once per week. Place barrels at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your collection day.

🗑

Black Barrel — Trash

All non-recyclable, non-organic household waste. Bags recommended. Lid must fully close.

Weekly • Monthly fee (size-based)
♻

Blue Barrel — Recycling

Single-stream. Paper, cardboard, cans, glass, rigid plastic. Loose only — never bagged. Included at no extra charge.

Weekly • Free (included)
🌿

Green Barrel — Yard Waste

Grass, leaves, branches, plant trimmings. No bags required. Optional service at added monthly cost.

Weekly • Additional monthly fee

⏰ Set-Out Rules for All Barrels

  • Place barrels at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your collection day. Collection starts at 6:00 a.m.
  • Barrel lid must be fully closed. Do not overfill. Items left on top of or around the barrel will not be picked up.
  • Keep barrels at least 3 feet away from cars, mailboxes, trees, and all other obstacles.
  • Barrels must be accessible to automated collection arms. Do not block with vehicles or structures.
  • Recycling must be placed loose in the blue barrel — never in plastic bags of any kind.
  • Yard waste in the green barrel does not need to be bagged — place loose directly in the barrel.

🗒 Barrel Sizes & Service Options

  • Black trash barrels: Multiple sizes available. Monthly fee is based on the size selected. Exchanging a second black barrel for a green yard waste barrel can reduce your monthly bill.
  • Blue recycling barrel: 90-gallon, provided at no additional charge with standard trash service. One per household. A free 28-qt. in-home kitchen recycling container is also available (pick up at 730 N. Mesa Dr., limit one per household).
  • Green yard waste barrel: Optional, available for an additional monthly fee. Collected on the same day as trash and recycling. To request one, call (480) 644-2221.
  • To change barrel size, request a new barrel, or exchange barrels, call (480) 644-2221 or submit an online request at mesaaz.gov.
🔗 Related Guide New to the US waste system? See: Trash and Recycling Guide in the US (Rules, Pickup & Recycling Explained 2026)
Holiday Schedule — Zero Delays

Mesa Holiday Trash Collection Schedule 2026 — No Holiday Delays

Mesa is one of the very few large cities in the United States that provides full trash, recycling, and yard waste collection on every holiday with absolutely no delays. The City of Mesa has confirmed this policy for all 2026 holidays. Simply roll your barrels to the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your regular scheduled day — every week, all year long.

Holiday2026 DateDayMesa Collection Impact
New Year’s DayJan 1ThursdayNormal Service Collection on regular schedule. No delay.
MLK DayJan 19MondayNormal Service Collection on regular schedule. No delay.
Presidents’ DayFeb 16MondayNormal Service Collection on regular schedule. No delay.
Memorial DayMay 25MondayNormal Service Collection on regular schedule. No delay.
JuneteenthJun 19FridayNormal Service Collection on regular schedule. No delay.
Independence DaySat, Jul 4SaturdayNormal Service Falls on Saturday; Mon–Fri routes unaffected.
Labor DaySep 7MondayNormal Service Collection on regular schedule. No delay.
Veterans DayNov 11WednesdayNormal Service Collection on regular schedule. No delay.
Thanksgiving DayNov 26ThursdayNormal Service Collection on regular schedule. No delay.
Christmas DayDec 25FridayNormal Service Collection on regular schedule. No delay.
⚠ The Household Hazardous Materials Facility IS closed on city holidays. While trash collection runs normally on holidays, the HHM facility at 2412 N. Center St. is closed on all city-observed holidays. Plan your HHM drop-off for a Wednesday–Saturday when no holiday is observed.
💡 Mesa’s zero-holiday-delay policy is a standout feature. Most US cities delay or cancel collection on major holidays. Mesa does not. If your normal day is Thanksgiving Thursday, your barrels are still collected that Thursday. If your day is Christmas Friday, your barrels are still collected that Friday.
🔗 Related Guide Holiday delays explained for the whole US: Holiday Trash Pickup in the US (Schedule Changes & Delays Explained)
Recycling — Blue Barrel

Mesa Recycling — What Goes in the Blue Barrel

Mesa uses single-stream recycling in the blue barrel, collected once per week on the same day as your trash. All recyclables go together in one barrel — no sorting required. Items must be empty, clean, and dry, placed loose in the barrel. Never bag recyclables. Glass bottles and jars ARE accepted in Mesa’s curbside blue barrel (unlike neighboring Tucson or Gilbert). Use the Recycle Right Wizard at mesaaz.gov to check any specific item.

✅ Accepted in the Blue Barrel

  • Paper: newspaper, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, office paper, paper bags
  • Cardboard — flattened (remove foam/plastic packing material from boxes)
  • Paperboard: cereal boxes, paper towel rolls
  • Aluminum and steel cans — rinsed
  • Glass bottles and jars (all colors) — rinsed
  • Plastic bottles, jugs, and containers — rinsed
  • Plastic clamshells (clear produce/bakery containers)
  • Food and drink cartons (milk, juice, broth)
  • Labels and lids can stay on containers

🚫 Never in the Blue Barrel

  • Plastic bags, film, or wrap → grocery store drop-off
  • Styrofoam / polystyrene → black trash barrel or HHM
  • Food or food-soiled items → black trash barrel
  • Batteries → HHM Facility (2412 N. Center St.)
  • Electronics → HHM Facility
  • Tanglers: hoses, cords, wire hangers → black barrel or bulk
  • Hazardous materials → HHM Facility
  • Foam packing material from boxes → black barrel
💡 Mesa accepts glass curbside — unlike many Arizona neighbors. Glass bottles and jars can go in the blue barrel in Mesa. This differs from Tucson (purple drop-off containers only) and Gilbert (glass not accepted curbside). Rinse glass before placing it loose in the barrel.
🔗 Related Guide Common recycling mistakes nationwide: How to Recycle Properly in the US (Rules, Bins & Common Mistakes)
Green Yard Waste Barrel

Green Yard Waste Barrel — Optional Weekly Service

Mesa offers an optional green yard waste barrel for an additional monthly fee. If you currently have two black trash barrels, you can exchange one for a green barrel and reduce your monthly bill (since the green barrel costs less than an extra black barrel). Yard waste does not need to be bagged — place it loose directly in the green barrel.

✅ Accepted in the Green Barrel

  • Grass clippings and sod
  • Leaves and leaf litter
  • Plant trimmings and prunings
  • Tree branches (manageable sizes)
  • Weeds and garden waste
  • Flowers and houseplants
  • Palm fronds (cut to fit)

🚫 Not in the Green Barrel

  • Rocks, soil, or dirt → bulk pickup or landfill
  • Food scraps → black trash barrel
  • Treated or painted wood → black barrel or bulk
  • Pet waste → black trash barrel
  • Plastic bags (even biodegradable) → trash
  • Construction debris → bulk pickup or landfill

🌿 What Happens to Mesa’s Green Waste

Collected yard waste is converted into compost and mulch, as well as repurposed as raw material for other sustainable applications. This diverts millions of pounds of material from the landfill each year. To add green barrel service, call (480) 644-2221 or submit an online request at mesaaz.gov.

🔗 Related Guide Yard waste rules nationwide: Yard Waste Pickup Rules in the US (What’s Allowed & What’s Not)
Bulk Item Pickup

Bulk Item & Appliance Pickup — Fee-Based, By Appointment

Mesa’s Solid Waste Department offers curbside pickup of large bulky items and appliances that do not fit in the black trash barrel. This is a fee-based service requiring advance scheduling. Bulk pickup starts at $29 per load (approximately 4′×4′×8′) for City of Mesa solid waste customers. Appliance recycling is available for a separate fee of $19 per appliance.

📅 How to Schedule Bulk or Appliance Pickup

  1. Call Solid Waste at (480) 644-6789 or submit an online request at mesaaz.gov/Utilities/Trash-Recycling/Bulk-Item-Pick-up. Authorized account holders only. Any past-due balance must be paid before scheduling.
  2. Place bulk items at the end of your driveway after 6:00 p.m. the evening before pickup. Smaller items must be boxed or bagged.
  3. Items with bed bugs must be labeled “BB” before set-out.
  4. Cancel or reschedule at least 1 business day before your pickup to avoid a $29 trip charge.
  5. For appliance recycling (refrigerators, microwaves, dryers, etc.), schedule separately at the same number — $19 per appliance.

✅ Accepted in Bulk Pickup

  • Furniture: sofas, chairs, tables, dressers, bed frames
  • Mattresses and box springs
  • Carpeting and rugs (rolled)
  • Doors, shelving, and clean wood
  • Scrap metal and large items
  • Appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers, ACs — $19/appliance)
  • Bundled or boxed smaller items that don’t fit in the black barrel

🚫 Not Accepted in Bulk Pickup

  • Hazardous materials → HHM Facility (2412 N. Center St.)
  • Construction or demolition debris → Salt River Landfill (self-haul)
  • Items from commercial/business use
  • Tires → Salt River Landfill or tire shops
  • Items with past-due account balance (must pay first)
💡 Free alternative: Landfill Use Program. Mesa residential solid waste customers paying the Green & Clean fee can use the Landfill Use Program to drop off extra trash at the landfill at a discounted rate once per month — starting at $15 billed to your utility account. Call (480) 644-6789 to schedule. Transfer Station at 6711 S. Mountain Rd is also open Mon–Sat, 6 a.m.–4 p.m. (Sat until noon).
🔗 Related Guide Bulk pickup rules compared nationally: Bulk Trash Pickup in the US (Rules, Scheduling & What’s Accepted)
Household Hazardous Materials

Household Hazardous Materials Facility & Swap Shop

Mesa operates a permanent, year-round Household Hazardous Materials (HHM) Facility at 2412 N. Center St., Bldg. #2, Mesa, AZ 85201. The drive-through drop-off is open Wednesday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to Noon. This service is funded by Mesa’s Green & Clean Utility fee and is free for Mesa residents at no additional cost. Proof of Mesa residency required (Mesa driver’s license or utility bill + photo ID). No business waste. Limit one visit per day per household.

✅ Accepted at the HHM Facility

  • Paint: latex and oil-based (original container)
  • Fireworks and flares
  • Pesticides and fertilizers
  • Automotive fluids: motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid
  • Household cleaners and solvents
  • Pool chemicals
  • Batteries (all types)
  • Electronics: TVs, computers, phones, tablets
  • Fluorescent and CFL bulbs
  • Propane tanks (small)

🚫 Not Accepted at HHM

  • Commercial or business waste
  • Radioactive materials or medical waste
  • Explosives or ammunition
  • Unlabeled or unidentifiable containers
  • Regular household trash
  • Construction debris
  • Off-hours drop-off (facility is monitored 24/7)

🛒 The Swap Shop — Free Reusable Items for Mesa Residents

Inside the HHM facility is a Swap Shop where Mesa residents can pick up usable hazardous materials left by other residents — completely free. The Swap Shop carries paint (sorted, filtered, and available for interior/exterior use), automotive fluids, household cleaners, garden products, and more. All items are first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved. Bring your own box or container. Limit 10 items per household. Sign a liability release form at the Swap Shop. Open during normal HHM facility hours (Wed–Sat, 7 a.m.–Noon).

⚠ HHM Facility is closed on all city holidays. Even though trash collection continues normally on all holidays, the HHM Facility is closed on all City of Mesa-observed holidays. No off-hours drop-offs are permitted — the facility is monitored by 24-hour surveillance.
Landfill & Transfer Station

Landfill Use Program & Transfer Station

Mesa residential solid waste customers paying the Green & Clean fee can use the Landfill Use Program to self-haul extra trash to the landfill at a discounted rate once per month. The fee starts at $15 per load and is billed to your utility account. Proof of Mesa residency required.

🚩 Republic Services Mesa Transfer Station

6711 S. Mountain Road, Mesa, AZ 85212

Hours: Mon–Fri 6:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. • Sat 6:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. • Sun closed
Phone: (602) 237-2078
Accepts household trash, bulk items, yard waste, and construction debris (fees apply). Non-hazardous only.

🚩 Salt River Landfill (Self-Haul)

4660 N. Beeline Hwy, Mesa, AZ 85207

Open to the public for self-haul trash and construction debris. Mesa residents may qualify for a $15 rate (billed to utility). Non-Mesa residents pay standard rates (~$30+ minimum gate fee). Bring proof of Mesa residency.

🚨 Cardboard Drop-Off — Downtown Mesa

A free cardboard drop-off bin is available at 210 East 6th Street, Downtown Mesa. All cardboard must be flattened before drop-off. This is particularly useful for apartment residents or anyone with excess cardboard that won’t fit in the blue barrel.

Missed Pickup

What to Do If Your Trash Wasn’t Collected in Mesa

  1. Confirm your collection day using Mesa’s official Trash Collection Schedule lookup at mesaaz.gov or call (480) 644-2221.
  2. Remember: Mesa has no holiday delays. If today is a holiday and your day is normally collected, your trash should still have been collected. If it wasn’t, that is a genuine missed collection — report it.
  3. Verify barrel placement: barrel at curb by 6:00 a.m., lid fully closed, at least 3 feet from all obstacles, accessible to automated truck arms.
  4. Check if items were left on top of or around the barrel. Items placed outside the barrel (on top or on the ground beside it) are not collected. All material must be inside the barrel with the lid closed.
  5. Report the missed pickup by calling (480) 644-2221 or submitting an online request at mesaaz.gov/Utilities/Trash-Recycling. Customer service is available Mon–Thu 7 a.m.–6 p.m., Fri 7 a.m.–5 p.m. You can also email waste.info@mesaaz.gov.
Local Tips

Mesa Trash & Recycling Tips Every Resident Should Know

🏠 New to Mesa?

Use Mesa’s Trash Collection Schedule lookup at mesaaz.gov or call (480) 644-2221 to find your exact collection day. Your black and blue barrels are included with standard service. Add a green yard waste barrel if needed. If you have two black barrels, consider exchanging one for a green barrel — it can reduce your monthly bill. The HHM Facility (Wed–Sat, 7 a.m.–Noon) accepts electronics, batteries, paint, and more for free.

☀️ No Holiday Stress — Ever

Mesa’s most resident-friendly feature is its zero-holiday-delay policy. Set your barrel out by 6:00 a.m. on your regular day every single week, regardless of what holiday falls on that day. There is no Slide Guide, no make-up day schedule, and no holiday calendar to track. The City of Mesa Solid Waste team works through all 11 federal holidays to ensure uninterrupted service.

🚫 5 Common Mistakes Mesa Residents Make

  • Putting recyclables in plastic bags — always place items loose in the blue barrel
  • Leaving items on top of or beside the barrel — the automated truck arm only empties the barrel itself; everything else stays
  • Putting foam packing material from boxes into the blue barrel — remove it first and put it in the black trash barrel
  • Not labeling bedbug-infested items “BB” before bulk pickup — required for crew safety
  • Visiting the HHM Facility on a city holiday — the only Mesa waste service that closes on holidays
Contact

Contact Mesa Solid Waste Management

ContactDetails
Customer Service — General📞 (480) 644-2221 — Mon–Thu 7 a.m.–6 p.m., Fri 7 a.m.–5 p.m. — missed pickups, collection day lookup, barrel requests, recycling questions
Bulk & Appliance Pickup📞 (480) 644-6789 — Mon–Thu 7 a.m.–6 p.m., Fri 7 a.m.–5 p.m. — scheduling only. Or submit an online request at mesaaz.gov.
Emailwaste.info@mesaaz.gov
Collection Schedule Lookupmesaaz.gov/Utilities/Trash-Recycling/Resident-Programs — official address-based lookup for your exact collection day and zone
Recycle Right Wizardmesaaz.gov/Utilities/Trash-Recycling/Mesa-Recycles — search any item to find out whether it goes in the blue barrel, black barrel, or requires special disposal
HHM Facility2412 N. Center St., Bldg. #2, Mesa, AZ 85201 • Wed–Sat 7 a.m.–Noon • Free for Mesa residents • (480) 644-4463 voicemail • hhm.info@mesaaz.gov
Transfer Station6711 S. Mountain Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212 • Mon–Fri 6 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat 6 a.m.–Noon • (602) 237-2078
Cardboard Drop-Off210 East 6th Street, Downtown Mesa • Free, no hours restriction • Flatten all cardboard before drop-off
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions — Mesa Trash Pickup

Your collection day depends on your address and zone. Mesa Solid Waste collects trash, recycling, and yard waste weekly, Monday through Friday, with your day based on your location. Use Mesa’s Trash Collection Schedule lookup at mesaaz.gov/Utilities/Trash-Recycling/Resident-Programs or call (480) 644-2221 to find your exact day.
Yes — Mesa collects trash, recycling, and yard waste on every holiday with absolutely no delays. This applies to all 11 federal holidays in 2026, including New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Simply roll your barrels to the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your regular collection day, every week of the year. The only exception is the HHM Facility, which closes on city holidays.
Recycling in Mesa is collected weekly — once every week on the same day as your trash and yard waste. This is different from many US cities that collect recycling every other week. The blue barrel is included with standard service at no extra charge.
Place empty, clean, and dry in the blue barrel: paper, flattened cardboard, aluminum and steel cans, glass bottles and jars (Mesa accepts glass curbside), plastic bottles and containers, plastic clamshells, and cartons. Never put in: plastic bags, Styrofoam, food, batteries, or electronics. Use Mesa’s Recycle Right Wizard at mesaaz.gov/Utilities/Trash-Recycling/Mesa-Recycles to check any specific item.
Yes. Glass bottles and jars are accepted in Mesa’s curbside blue recycling barrel. Rinse them clean before placing loose in the barrel. This is different from neighboring Tucson and Gilbert, which do not accept glass curbside.
Call Solid Waste at (480) 644-6789 or submit an online request at mesaaz.gov. Bulk pickup starts at $29 per load (approx. 4’×4’×8′) for Mesa solid waste customers. Place items at the end of your driveway after 6:00 p.m. the evening before pickup. Smaller items must be boxed or bagged. Items with bedbugs must be labeled “BB.” Cancel or reschedule at least 1 business day ahead to avoid a $29 trip charge.
Take household hazardous waste (paint, batteries, electronics, automotive fluids, pool chemicals, pesticides) to the HHM Facility at 2412 N. Center St., Bldg. #2, Mesa, AZ 85201. Hours: Wednesday–Saturday, 7 a.m.–Noon. Drive-through service — stay in your vehicle. Free for Mesa residents (Mesa driver’s license or utility bill + photo ID required). Closed on city holidays. No appointment needed.
The Swap Shop is located inside the HHM Facility (2412 N. Center St.) and allows Mesa residents to take home usable items — paint, household cleaners, automotive fluids, garden products — left by other residents, completely free. Open Wed–Sat, 7 a.m.–Noon. Items are first-come, first-served, limit 10 per household. Bring your own box. Sign a liability release form on arrival.
Call (480) 644-2221 or visit mesaaz.gov/Utilities/Trash-Recycling. Confirm your collection day using the address lookup. Remember Mesa has no holiday delays — a missed pickup on a holiday is still a genuine missed collection. Verify the barrel was at the curb by 6 a.m., lid fully closed, with 3 feet of clearance, and nothing placed outside the barrel.
No. The green yard waste barrel is an optional add-on service for an additional monthly fee. Standard service includes the black trash barrel and blue recycling barrel. If you currently have two black barrels, you can exchange one for a green yard waste barrel and potentially reduce your monthly bill. Call (480) 644-2221 to add green barrel service.
Official Source

Still Can’t Find Your Collection Day?

Use Mesa’s official address-based Trash Collection Schedule to confirm your exact garbage, recycling, and yard waste day.

🔍 Official Mesa Lookup & Contact Options

All of the following are free and will confirm your exact schedule:

🔍 Open Trash Schedule Lookup 📞 Call (480) 644-2221
Trash Collection Schedulemesaaz.gov/Utilities/Trash-Recycling/Resident-Programs — enter your address to find your exact collection day, barrel type, and zone.
Customer Service(480) 644-2221 — Mon–Thu 7 a.m.–6 p.m., Fri 7 a.m.–5 p.m. — missed pickups, barrel requests, collection day lookup, all solid waste questions.
Recycle Right Wizardmesaaz.gov/Utilities/Trash-Recycling/Mesa-Recycles — search any item to find its correct disposal method.
Mesa Trash & Recycling Websitemesaaz.gov/Utilities/Trash-Recycling — all programs, barrel options, HHM Facility info, Landfill Use Program, bulk pickup.
Emailwaste.info@mesaaz.gov — non-urgent questions about recycling, programs, and services.

You will leave this website when using any of the links above. Mesa’s official Trash Collection Schedule is the most accurate source for address-based pickup information.

Not in the City of Mesa? Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, and unincorporated Maricopa County areas each have their own waste services and holiday schedules. Visit maricopa.gov for county resources or contact your municipality directly.
Other Cities

Trash & Recycling Schedules for Other US Cities

Looking for waste collection information in another city? Here are cities we’ve already covered with full schedules, recycling rules, and bulk pickup guides:

🏭 Tucson 🏭 El Paso 🏭 Phoenix 🏭 Los Angeles 🏭 San Diego 🏭 Seattle