Don't Trash Your Bin
Proper recycling starts with knowing what goes in—and what must stay out—of your mauve recycling container. Putting the wrong items in your recycling bin can contaminate entire truckloads, increase processing costs, and lead to more material being sent to the landfill.
To keep Scottsdale's recycling program effective, efficient and environmentally responsible, please follow these basic recycling guidelines:
- Only put accepted materials in your recycling container.
- Don't place plastic bags or liners in your recycling container as they can damage the equipment used at the sorting facility. Instead, many local grocery stores offer plastic shopping bag recycling drop-off containers.
- Make sure your recyclable materials are clean, dry and empty.
- Break down or cut-up cardboard boxes to keep them from getting stuck in your container.
- If you need an additional mauve recycling container, you must purchase one from Solid Waste Services at a one-time charge of $108.00 - please call 480-312-5600.
- If we don't offer curbside recycling in your area, please call 480-312-5600 or Submit Your Online Request for alternative options.
Accepted Recyclables
| Material | Recycle | Do Not Recycle |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Beverage cans, clean aluminum foil | Metal furniture, wires, scrap metal |
| Aseptic Boxes | Milk, juice and soup cartons | Foil pouches, squeeze packs |
| Cardboard/ chipboard | Shipping boxes, cereal boxes (remove liners), shoe boxes, tubes | Wax-lined boxes, soap boxes, packing foam |
| Glass | Food and beverage containers (clear, green, amber) | Window glass, mirrors, light bulbs, ceramics |
| Magazines | Magazines, phone books | Hardbound books |
| Metal Cans | Clean food and beverage cans | Paint cans, aerosol cans, automotive parts |
| Newspapers | Newspapers, advertising inserts | Plastic sleeves, rubber bands |
| Paper | Office paper, junk mail, brown bags, file folders | Napkins, tissues, paper plates, pet food bags |
| Plastic (#1–7) | Bottles, jugs, tubs, cups, yogurt containers, clamshells, lids on | Plastic bags, Styrofoam, motor oil/chemical containers |
Note: Shredded paper is not accepted in your recycling container. You can throw it in your trash container, compost it at home or use a document shredding service that ensures proper disposal.
Unacceptable Recyclables
Wishful recycling causes contamination. Keep these out of your bin:
- Plastic bags, liners or shipping envelopes
- Yard waste or tree trimmings
- Styrofoam or packing peanuts
- Food or liquid waste
- Greasy pizza boxes or soiled paper
- Construction debris
- Diapers or pet waste
- Hazardous containers (motor oil, pool chemicals)
- Clothing or textiles
- Electronics or batteries
When in doubt, throw it out—or contact the city for guidance.
No plastic bags
Plastic bags are the top source of contamination in Scottsdale’s recycling. They wrap around equipment, cause costly shutdowns and damage machinery.
Never place these in your recycling container:
- Grocery or retail bags
- Trash can liners
- Sandwich or zip-top bags
- Plastic film or packaging wrap
- Bubble wrap or air pillows (including shipping envelopes)
Recycle bags instead at these participating retailers:
- AJ's Fine Foods
- Albertsons
- Bashas'
- Fry's Food Stores
- Lowe's
- Safeway
- Smart & Final
- Sprouts Farmers Market
- Target
- Trader Joe's
- Walmart
Public Drop-Off Locations Closed
All public recycling drop-off bins in Scottsdale have been permanently removed due to contamination, illegal dumping and misuse.
Residents in multifamily housing should contact property management or their HOA to ask about on-site recycling options.
Still Have Questions?
For a complete list of accepted items, check out the recycle right wizard at the top of the page or contact customer service at: Solid Waste Customer Service or 480-312-5600.
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Last Updated: Jul 17, 2025