The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes an increase in household waste. In anticipation, the City of Tempe has shared essential recycling information to help residents dispose of their post-feast refuse responsibly. According to a notification posted on Tempe's government website, proper recycling is critical to avoid contamination — a single misstep can send a whole bin of recyclables to the landfill. They urge residents to make sure to rinse residue off recyclables before placing them in the blue bin.
For items not eligible for the blue bin, Tempe offers additional recycling solutions. The Household Products Collection Center welcomes various wastes that cannot be left curbside, and Tempe schedules regular Zero Waste Days for larger or more irregular items. Information about what's accepted at these places can be found on the same notification, engendering a more sustainable holiday season for the community.
One particular waste challenge during the holidays is the disposal of plastic bags. In Tempe, these are not recyclable through regular curbside service. Instead, citizens are advised to take clean and dry bags — specifically those labeled #2 and #4 — to participating grocery stores and other retailers that offer recycling programs for these materials. These steps are part of a broader effort to maintain efficient recycling processes and prevent contamination.
Tempe also provides guidance on how to handle fats, oils, and grease (FOG), known to wreak havoc on plumbing systems during the holidays. "Protect your pipes, while you cook this holiday season, remember to keep FOG out of the drain," the city cautions. Used oil and grease should be recycled at the Household Products Collection Center or disposed of in a sealed container in the trash, after it's cooled. Proper disposal methods are highlighted on Tempe's website, providing safe alternatives to keeping the sewers clear of blockages.
Regarding trash collection schedules during the festive season, Tempe residents can breathe easy knowing that Thanksgiving won't affect the regular service. However, some adjustments are due around Christmas and New Year, where collections usually slated for Thursday will shift to Friday. Residents can refer to the full holiday collection schedule at the city's website for more details.
For additional inquiries about the holiday waste and recycling procedures, Tempe's officials encourage contacting the city directory at 480-350-4311 or sending an email to [email protected]. The city remains committed to providing the necessary information and facilities to keep Tempe green, clean, and festive-ready.
