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Zero Waste Day: Everything you need to know about Tempe's popular drive

With growing enthusiasm each year, Tempe organizers encourage early arrivals.

PUBLISHED JUL 8, 2025

Last spring’s Zero Waste Day welcomed 750 cars through the drive-thru and diverted more than 67,000 pounds of material from the landfill.

Tempe, Arizona: Mark your calendars for Tempe’s next Zero Waste Day, slated for Saturday, July 26, from 7am to 1pm at the Tempe Fire Training Center, 1340 E. University Drive.

This free, drive-thru event gives residents a convenient way to clear out attics, closets and garages—and keep unwanted items out of landfills—by recycling, repurposing and donating them.

Last spring’s Zero Waste Day welcomed 750 cars through the drive-thru and diverted more than 67,000 pounds of material from the landfill. With growing enthusiasm each year, Tempe organizers encourage early arrivals—attendance typically peaks before 9am, but the 9-11am window is usually less crowded.

Zero Waste Day is a free, drive-thru event that helps residents recycle items not permitted in garbage containers and blue recycling containers.

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Accepted materials include:

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

Household hazardous waste: batteries, cleaning products, fluorescent tubes, used oil, paints, herbicides/fertilizers, pool chemicals, gas cylinders and small gasoline-powered tools

Large Styrofoam pieces: packing blocks, coolers, custom-cut foam

Electronics & appliances: computers, monitors, printers, cell phones, TVs, microwaves, washers/dryers, refrigerators and more

Clothing & household goods (in good condition): apparel, shoes, purses, toys, books, kitchenware, furniture, décor, tools, sports gear, musical instruments

Bicycles & parts: whole bikes, cables, pedals, seats, brakes, tires, handlebars

Pet supplies & food donations: bedding, leashes, cages, food (perishable/unopened or non-perishable), toys, litter, bowls, furniture and more.

Please note that commercial or industrial waste, plastic bags and wraps, mattresses, car seats, bulk trash, small foam items (peanuts, cups, plates, cartons), pet medications and live animals will not be accepted. All items must be unloaded from vehicle trunks or beds; materials in trash bags will be turned away for safety reasons.

Proof of Tempe or Guadalupe residency is required—acceptable forms include a current driver’s license, lease agreement, utility bill, mail with name and address, or a local student ID.