Save the date: Zero Waste Day is back in Tempe, here are the dos and don'ts

Transport waste items in cardboard boxes. No plastic bags will be accepted.

PUBLISHED JUL 9, 2024

For those who cannot make it to Zero Waste Day, Tempe’s Household Products Collection Center (HPCC) offers a year-round drive-thru.

Tempe, Arizona: It's time to stop auditioning for an episode of 'The Hoarders' and clean-out some of life's clutter. Tempe’s next Zero Waste Day will take place from 7am to 1pm on Saturday, July 27 at the Tempe Fire Training Center, 1340 E. University Drive. The last time Tempe hosted the event, back in April, 675 cars dropped off 67,061 pounds of waste that was diverted from the landfill.

The last time Tempe hosted the event, back in April, 675 cars dropped off 67,061 pounds of waste.

Accepted items

Paper for shredding: office paper, mail, personal paper documents, books in poor condition

Household hazardous waste: all types of batteries, cleaning products, fluorescent lighting tubes, used oil, paints, soaps, herbicides/fertilizers, gas cylinders, 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, power cords, printers, cabling, mice, keyboards, hard drives, tablets, cell phones, DVDs, printer cartridges, calculators, stereos, VCRs, VHS, cassette tapes, TVs, power strips, microwaves, washers/dryers, refrigerators, freezers

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

Food donations (non-perishable, non-expired, unopened): peanut butter, canned meats and soups, dried and canned beans, fruit juices, boxed meals, canned vegetables and fruit, granola bars, whole wheat pasta, multi-grain cereals, oatmeal, macaroni and cheese.

Items delivered in trash bags will not be accepted for health and safety reasons.

What's not accepted?

Commercial or industrial products, hazardous waste, 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.

Drop-off etiquette

Store items for disposal in the rear-most part of the vehicle (truck bed, trunk or rear hatch). Items will not be accepted from the front or back seat.

Stay in the vehicle at all times.

Staff will unload your items.

Transport waste items in cardboard boxes. No plastic bags will be accepted, with the exception of a small bag used to carry batteries. Containers will not be returned.

Do you need documentation to take part?

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.

If you can't make it on July 27, don't worry...

Here are the dates and operating hours for the HPCC.

For those who cannot make it to Zero Waste Day, Tempe’s Household Products Collection Center (HPCC) offers a year-round drive-thru for dropping off household hazardous waste and other recyclable products.