Clean out your attics, closets and garages of unwanted items and dispose of them for reuse, recycling and repurposing at Tempe’s next Zero Waste Day from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 29, at Kiwanis Park, 6111 S. All America Way.
Four times a year, Tempe partners with multiple nonprofits and organizations to present Zero Waste Day events. These events help residents recycle items not permitted in garbage containers and blue recycling containers. Some of the items that will be accepted are:
Document shredding: Iron Mountain will shred unwanted office paper, mail, personal paper documents, books in poor condition and collect bagged (in clear plastic) shredded paper.
Household Products Collection Center: Household hazardous waste, including all types of batteries, cleaning products, fluorescent tubes, used oil, latex paint, soaps and herbicides.
Supplies for teachers: Help local teachers through Treasures 4 Teachers by donating one-sided yard signs and canvas banners, foam boards, clean bottle caps, plastic and compressed paper tubes (holds maps, blueprints, etc.), CDs, DVDs and cases, broken jewelry pieces, miscellaneous crafting, art and sewing supplies, greeting cards that cannot be recycled in city recycling containers because of adornments (ribbons, plastic, etc.), clean oatmeal containers and PringlesTM cans with lids only, photographs and lab equipment. Backpacks will be accepted at this event as part of a special drive.
Pet food and supplies: Donate pet food and supplies to be repurposed for City of Tempe rescue partners and homeless pets in Tempe. Accepted items include 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 and bird cages. No medication donations are allowed, and no pets will be accepted for surrender.
Electronics and appliances: eGreen IT Solutions will be assisting in recycling electronics. Working or non-working items are accepted. PCs, laptops, monitors, power cords, printers, cabling, mice, keyboards, hard drives, tablets, cell phones, DVDs, printer cartridges, calculators, stereos, VCRs, TVs, power strips, microwaves, washers/dryers, refrigerators and freezers are accepted.
Food donations: Tempe Community Action Agency will be collecting food donations. Non-perishable, unopened food items including peanut butter, canned meats and soups, dried and canned beans, 100% fruit juices, boxed meals, canned vegetables and fruit, granola bars, whole wheat pasta, multi-grain cereals, oatmeal and macaroni and cheese are accepted.
Bicycles: Donate a bicycle through Geneva Epps Mosely School’s Recycle-a-Bicycle program. Second-hand bikes, new or used repair stands and new or used bike parts including cables, pedals, brakes, seats, tires and handlebars are all accepted.
Proof of Tempe and Guadalupe residency is required. Accepted forms include a current driver’s license, ASU student ID, lease/rental agreement or most recent Tempe Water utility bill.
Please note, the following items are not accepted at Tempe’s Zero Waste Days: commercial or industrial hazardous waste, plastic bags and wraps, mattresses, Styrofoam, car seats or trash. Items delivered in trash bags will not be accepted for health and safety reasons.
Visit tempe.gov/ZeroWaste for drop-off procedures, future Zero Waste Day events and find a full list of accepted items and where they go.
For those who cannot make it to Zero Waste Day, Tempe operates a drive-thru facility for dropping off household hazardous waste at the Household Products Collection Center. Visit tempe.gov/HPCC for information on operating hours.
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