Frequently Asked Recycling Questions
Will my pickup day change on holidays?
Holidays never affect your weekly pickup day for trash and recycling collection. However, there is no bulk trash pickup the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Check your schedule here.
Why did Gilbert change its recycling program?
Unfortunately, changes in the industry worldwide have created stricter guidelines from buyers for materials that can be accepted and sold. Keeping Gilbert's recycling program as-is was no longer sustainable.
More items, including recyclables, are ending up in the landfill because of high contamination or a lack of demand in the recycling market, which still costs millions of dollars every year to service.
Gilbert made changes to its recycling program to strengthen the program so the community can continue recycling.
What if I’m not sure if something can be recycled?
Try using our 'Waste Wizard' above to see the recommended method of disposal.
Remember this phrase: when in doubt, throw it out.
Putting non-recyclable items or materials we no longer accept in your blue bin increases both the contamination rate and the cost of the program.
Why isn’t glass on the list?
The market for glass has shrunk significantly. Glass devalues other recycling commodities because it embeds into the paper, cardboard, and plastics, making them less desirable.
With recycling markets shifting significantly, and revenues turning to expenses, it was determined that continuing to include glass in the recycling program was no longer in the best interest of residents from a financial standpoint. In turn, this allows the program to continue and focus on all the other materials that our processor is able to recycle.
Where can I recycle glass?
Glass is not accepted in Gilbert's curbside recycling program (your blue bins.)
However, residents can now recycle glass bottles, jugs, and jars at two drop-off locations in Gilbert:
Look for the purple bins!
Which types plastic does Gilbert accept?
Gilbert only accept bottles, jugs and jars that are labeled plastics #1 and #2.
The town no longer accept plastics #1 and #2 that are not bottles, jugs or plastics 3-7 which typically include yogurt, cottage cheese and margarine tubs along with clamshells and plastic trays.
Still unsure? Use our 'Waste Wizard' above to search specific items.
What do you mean by Plastics #1 and #2?
Recyclable plastic is printed with a recycling symbol (usually on the bottom of the product) along with a number from 1-7.
In order to be accepted in Gilbert's recycling program, the product must be a bottle, jug or jar with a #1 or #2 printed on it.
Are magazines, junk mail and newspaper still accepted?
Yes. We accept all paper except soiled, shredded, metallic, waxed or tissue.
Please use our 'Waste Wizard' above to search for any other specific items you're unsure of.
Do I need to remove tape and shipping labels from cardboard boxes?
Nope. Labels and tape can stay on.
Please just make sure that all Styrofoam, bubble wrap, plastic liners and other items inside boxes are removed before recycling. And remember to break down all boxes before placing them in your blue bin.
Do I need to remove labels and lids from metal cans?
Nope. Lids and labels can stay on.
We do ask that all recycled items are empty, clean and dry to avoid contamination.
Why can’t I recycle shredded paper?
Shredded paper seldom makes it through the recycling process and is hard to capture in a commingled recycling program like ours.
Is there somewhere I can drop off my recyclables?
Unfortunately there aren't any sites open for residents to drop off their recyclables.
We encouraged residents to recycle what they can using our curbside program. And remember, reduction and reuse are key to helping protect our environment.
Who do I contact if my trash or recycling can is not picked up?
- Report missed trash and recycling pickups through Gilbert 311: glbrt.is/MissedTrash
- Report missed bulk trash pickup by calling (480) 503-6400
- If you are unable to submit your request through Gilbert 311, contact customer service during business hours at (480) 503-6400
There is a $50 fee required for Gilbert crews to come back and retrieve any trash, recycling or bulk trash not placed out in time during residents’ regularly scheduled pickups.
Call (480) 503-6400 to request an additional pickup.
Q. Who do I contact if my trash or recycling container is broken or missing?
Request a container repair or replacement through Gilbert 311: glbrt.is/ContainerRepair
Q. My can is dirty. Can I get a new one?
Yes. Gilbert residents can exchange dirty or foul-smelling trash or recycling cans for a cleaned, pressure washed container for $59.
Call (480) 503-6400 to request a replacement can.
Where do I recycle batteries, electronics, paint or other household waste?
NEVER dispose of hazardous materials in your curbside trash. Please take them to our Household Hazardous Waste Facility to dispose of them properly: gilbertaz.gov/HHW
Can I get trade my blue recycling can in for another black trash can?
We encourage residents to keep their blue recycling containers — any diversion of materials from the landfill helps our community and the environment. It's also part of our base service for each household.
Residents can order an additional black trash can for an additional monthly cost by calling our Utilities Department at (480) 503-6800 during business hours.
Can I opt-out of recycling?
The base rate for Gilbert’s curbside program is all-inclusive to help maintain maximum efficiency and cost control.
Because it includes all trash, recycle, bulk trash collection and household hazardous waste drop off services there are no opt-out provisions for any one aspect of the program.
What does 'contamination rate' mean?
The contamination rate is the amount of non-recyclable or soiled material that ends up in Gilbert’s curbside recycling load. After you throw items in your blue bin, they are picked up and hauled off to a recycling center where all of the non-acceptable items/soiled items must be sorted out.
Every three months, Gilbert’s recycling loads are audited. During an audit, the recycling center weighs the amount of acceptable material and the amount of non-acceptable items to determine the town’s new contamination rate.
Keeping the contamination rate low helps keep the program’s cost down - that’s why it is so important to only throw acceptable items in your blue bin and to always rinse your items before recycling!
What happens if I don’t follow Gilbert's recycling guidelines?
While we do not have control over the changes occurring in the recycling market, residents can control what is placed in their recycling bins.
Reducing contamination by following Gilbert's new recycling program will help control unnecessary costs to the program. Focusing on the acceptable items will also assist with the marketability of recyclables in Gilbert's program and help offset rising costs.
Why is recycling important?
There are many reasons recycling is important. Two key reasons are that 1) recycling conserves landfill space and reduces the amount of raw materials needed to produce new products and 2) there is also a landfill fee for all items that go to a landfill!
For those who want to make a greater impact, we recommend focusing on reducing the number of single-use products in your household and reusing items when you can to extend their lifespan.
What time do I need to have my containers out on collection day?
Please place your containers out no later than 5 AM on your collection day.
Do I need to place my blue recycle container out each week?
No, please only place your blue container out when it’s full.
Will both my containers be picked up at the same time?
No, they will be picked up at different times. Our operators work from 5 AM until the routes are completed, so please leave your barrels out until they have been picked up.
Does Gilbert offer composting?
Gilbert's compost containers are currently unavailable. Please check with retailers for a compost container.
Contact Us
utilities@gilbertaz.gov | (480) 503-6400
