Clean out your attics, closets and garages of unwanted items and dispose of them for reuse, recycling and repurposing at Tempe’s 50th Zero Waste Day from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Tempe Fire Training Center, 1340 E. University Drive.
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.
Nov. 4 marks Tempe’s 50th Zero Waste Day event, with the first zero waste-related event occurring in November 2009. The first event saw 196 Tempe residents and over 14,000 pounds of waste diverted from our landfills. Today, Tempe’s Zero Waste Day events see over 500 residents and over 38,000 pounds of waste diverted from our landfills each event (as of July 2023).
Accepted items include:
Documents for shredding: shred unwanted office paper, mail, personal paper documents, books in poor condition.
Household hazardous waste: all types of batteries, cleaning products, fluorescent tubes, used oil, latex paint, soaps and herbicides.
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: PCs, 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 and freezers are accepted. Lawn mowers and other gas-powered items are okay if the gas is removed. Items can be working or non-working.
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.
Clothing, furniture and household items: clothing, shoes, purses, belts, bedding, towels, toys, stuffed animals, books, cooking accessories, furniture, home décor, housewares, jewelry, tools, musical instruments and sports equipment are accepted. Items should be in good condition.
Bicycles: 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.
Please note, the following items are not accepted at Tempe’s Zero Waste Days: commercial or industrial hazardous waste, plastic bags and wraps, mattresses, car seats or trash. Items delivered in trash bags will not be accepted for health and safety reasons.
Proof of Tempe or Guadalupe residency is required. Accepted forms include a current driver’s license, lease/rental agreement, mail with name and address or most recent Tempe Water utility bill. Students of universities or other educational institutions located within Tempe are welcome to participate if student ID is presented.
Find a complete list of accepted items, drop-off procedures and detailed event information at tempe.gov/ZeroWaste.
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 and a full list of accepted items.
Saturday, Nov. 4
7a.m.-1 p.m.
Tempe Fire Training Center
1340 E. University Drive
*Must provide Tempe/Guadalupe proof of residency
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