Tempe's Yard Waste Disposal Options
Tempe residents have several options for managing yard waste, ranging from free city services to professional hauling. The right choice depends on the volume of debris, urgency, and your specific landscaping situation.
Curbside Green Waste
Free. For regular weekly or bi-weekly debris that fits in your green bin.
Bulky Waste Pickup
Free. Call-in service for large piles that won't fit in your regular bin.
Private Hauler
Same-day. For large volumes, immediate removal, or commercial properties.
City of Tempe Bulky Waste Program
The City of Tempe offers a Bulky Waste Collection program for items too large for regular curbside bins. Residents can request a pickup for yard debris, branches, palm fronds, and large quantities of clippings. Key things to know:
- Items must be placed at the curb by 5:00 AM on your scheduled pickup day
- Bundled branches should be no longer than 4 feet and no heavier than 50 pounds per bundle
- Palm fronds should be stacked and bundled separately from other green waste
- Soil, rocks, and dirt are generally NOT accepted in the green waste program
- Call 480-350-8696 or use the MyTempe app to schedule a bulky waste pickup
Common Yard Waste in Arizona
Tempe's desert and suburban landscapes generate distinctive debris types:
🌴 Palm Trees
Palm fronds are heavy, spiked, and bulky. Annual trimming generates large volumes that won't fit in standard bins. A private hauler is often the fastest solution for large palm cleanups.
🌵 Cactus Removal
Saguaro and other large cactus require special handling. They're heavy, spiky, and may have protected status. Verify legal status before removal and hire licensed professionals for large specimens.
🌿 Oleander & Shrub Trimming
Common in Tempe landscaping, oleander and other drought-tolerant shrubs produce significant clippings during fall trim season. Note that oleander is toxic — handle with gloves.
🍃 Tree Branches & Limbs
Monsoon season (July–September) frequently drops large limbs. Post-storm cleanups often generate more debris than the bulky waste program can handle in a single pickup.
When to Call a Private Hauler Instead of the City
The city's bulky waste program is great for routine cleanups, but there are situations where hiring a private junk removal company is the better choice:
- Large volumes: A landscaping overhaul, full yard redesign, or major storm cleanup can generate 2–3+ truckloads of debris
- Same-day need: City pickups require advance scheduling; a private hauler can often arrive the same day
- Commercial properties: HOAs, rental properties, and businesses often have more debris than residential city services allow
- Mixed debris: Yard waste mixed with other junk (old furniture, equipment) doesn't qualify for green waste programs
- Gravel, rocks, and soil: Not accepted by city programs but can often be hauled by private companies (weight-based pricing applies)
Yard Waste Pricing With Fill & Haul
Yard waste pricing is volume-based. Because green debris is bulky but relatively light, pricing is typically by truck volume rather than weight. A standard yard waste haul in Tempe:
- Small yard cleanup (1/4 truck)$125 – $200
- Medium cleanup (1/2 truck)$200 – $325
- Large cleanup (full truck)$400 – $550
- * Heavy materials (rock, gravel, soil) are priced by weight. Prices include all disposal fees.