Tempe has posted its 2017 bulk trash and green organics pickup schedule at www.tempe.gov/slashthetrash.

The pickup program offers residents of Tempe either curbside or alley collection of mixed bulk trash. It also provides seasonal collection of green organic waste, which is turned into compost and returned to the community.

Mixed bulk trash collection occurs every other month and is for large items that cannot be placed in trash cans. These materials are taken to a landfill. Items for bulk collection include materials such as furniture and appliances that do not contain freon. A full list of allowed and disallowed materials is at http://www.tempe.gov/city-hall/public-works/recycling-and-solid-waste/green-and-mixed-waste.

Green organics pickup is optional and is designed to coincide with growing and trimming seasons. Collected material is turned into nutrient-rich compost that is used at schools, local parks and community gardens. Green organic materials should be piled separately from bulk items.

Tempe is the first city in the area to offer a green organics program.