Background

Tucson, AZ (pop. 524,295), Arizona’s second-largest city, invites its residents to “Do More Blue” using a commingled 65-gallon “Blue Barrel” for its weekly curbside recycling collection program. Nicknamed “The Old Pueblo,” Tucson has a rich historical background that includes a long history of green-minded residents. One of the top biking and hiking cities in the U.S., Tucson is full of outdoors enthusiasts that are passionate about the environment.

Materials recycled

Paper Printing and writing paper, mail and copy paper, brochures, flattened corrugated cardboard, shredded paper (secured in a clear plastic bag), magazines, catalogs, newspapers, brown paper bags, notebooks, phonebooks, paperboard, molded fiberboard and paper-based drink and food cartons are accepted. Plastics Plastic bottles, containers and jugs numbered 1 through 7 are accepted (lids/caps OK). Rigid plastics like coolers, water cooler bottles, toys and buckets are also accepted. No Styrofoam products and no plastic bags (except when containing shredded paper). Metals Aluminum, tin/steel cans and containers and empty aerosol cans are accepted. Glass Glass bottles and jars (all colors) are accepted.

Frequency

Tucsonans take recyclables to the curb on a weekly basis on the same day as refuse collection. Barrels must be placed curbside no later than 6 a.m. on collection day, at least 3 feet from refuse cans and other obstructions and at least 15 feet below any overhanging wires or foliage. A collection map is available online.

Other programs

Thirteen neighborhood recycling centers dot Tucson. Any of the above-listed recyclables can be dropped off at these sites:

• Joaquin Murrieta Park, northwest corner of Club View & El Rio drives
• Mansfield Park, 4th Avenue one block south of Grant Road
• Morris K. Udall Park, Tanque Verde Road, a quarter-mile east of Sabino Canyon Road
• Miller-Golf Links Library, 9640 E. Golf Links Rd.
• Golf Links Sports Park, northwest corner of Craycroft & Golf Links roads
• Ward 5 Council Office, 4300 S. Park Ave.
• Kennedy Park, northwest of the library, west of Mission Road, north of Ajo Way
• Patrick K. Hardesty Center, northwest corner of Alvernon Way & 22nd Street
• Los Reales Landfill, 5300 E. Los Reales Rd.
• Booth-Fickett Magnet School, 7240 E. Calle Arturo
• Jacobs Park, Fairview Avenue, south of Prince Road
• Tucson Convention Center, northwest corner of Cushing Street & Granada Avenue (this location is closed until further notice
• Himmel Park, north parking lot, 1st Street east of Tucson Boulevard

There are several drop-off options throughout Tucson for household hazardous waste items. Drop-off is free to Tucsonans with valid ID. Residents of the surrounding cities of Marana, Oro Valley and Sahuarita may use these facilities for a $5 charge. Accepted items include automotive fluids, engine oil filters, automotive batteries, rechargeable batteries (Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, Li-ion, Pb), small button batteries, lithium batteries, cleaning products, drain openers, cooking oil, mercury-containing products, fluorescent lamps, paint products, solvents, hobby chemicals, pesticides, lawn and garden products, pool chemicals, propane cylinders, computer equipment, printer cartridges, and items labeled “Acid,” “Flammable,” “Caustic,” “Poison,” “Caution,” “Toxic,” “Danger” or “Warning.”

More information

Visit the City of Tucson Residential Recycling website for more recycling program info.