These dimensions protect equipment operators and equipment they operate. Phoenix Recycles participants can recycle paper, plastic, metal and glass each week in their blue curbside container. Using blue barrels is vital to controlling rising solid waste costs for all residents as landfills near Phoenix are closed and garbage is transferred to landfills many miles outside the metro Phoenix area limits. Phoenix Recycles will be available to all neighborhoods in southwest Phoenix this fall. This is necessary to address the spread of disease and odors associated with solid waste, however, recyclables should be unbagged.
Phoenix also promotes mulching and composting.
Residents can purchase damaged garbage cans that have been transformed into composters to create soil for the garden. These hazardous materials can be taken to monthly BOPA collection events. The Solid Waste Education Office coordinates school shows staring its mascots, Recyclesaurus and Captain Toxic. A free half-hour program focuses on how to participate in Phoenix Recycles and household hazardous waste collection events. Tours of the 27th Avenue Solid Waste Management Facility and its recycling processing area also are available.