Monsoon Storms Can Send Trash Flying, Phoenix Offers Tips To Secure Bins

PHOENIX, AZ — Monsoon storms can do more than knock down branches. Strong winds and heavy rain can send loose trash, recycling and yard debris flying through neighborhoods if bins are not secured.

The Phoenix Public Works Department is reminding residents how to prepare their trash containers before storms arrive and what to do with storm debris after the weather clears.

Before the Storm: Secure Your Bins

The city recommends bagging and tying all household trash before placing it in black landfill containers. Maricopa County requires garbage and grass clippings to be bagged to help control pests, including insects and rodents.

Recycling should be handled differently. Items placed in blue recycling bins should be loose, not bagged. Plastic bags can get caught in sorting equipment and disrupt the recycling process.

Residents should also keep container lids closed. Closed lids help keep rain and pests out, while also preventing trash from blowing into streets, yards and neighboring properties during strong winds.

After the Storm: What To Do With Yard Debris

Once a storm passes, residents dealing with fallen branches and other debris have several options.

For larger cleanup projects, residents can schedule a bulk trash pickup through the city. Items should not be placed at the curb more than seven days before the scheduled collection date. Branches must be cut into pieces no longer than 4 feet and no wider than 12 inches in diameter.

Residents with smaller amounts of yard waste can cut branches into smaller pieces, bag them and place them in regular trash containers. Those with a Curbside Green Organics subscription can place branches and leaves directly into their green containers without bagging them.

The collected material is sent to the city's 27th Avenue Compost Facility, where it is processed instead of going to a landfill.

For larger cleanup efforts, Phoenix residential solid waste customers can drop off up to one ton of debris per month at city transfer stations at no cost. Residents must bring a City services bill and valid identification.

Keep Track Of Your Containers

The city is also reminding residents to bring empty trash and recycling containers back onto their property after collection. During monsoon storms, loose containers can be blown away or moved by heavy rain.

If a curbside container is lost or damaged during a storm, Phoenix offers free repair or replacement service.

Residents can find more information about trash schedules, bulk collection and solid waste services through the Phoenix Public Works Department.