Tucson Cuts Resident Recycling Services 50 Percent As Costs Rise

TUCSON, AZ — Starting the week of Sept. 30, Tucson residents will be visited by the City’s recycling trucks only half as often, according to an announcement Tuesday from the City of Tucson. Because of a sizable reduction in market demand for recyclable items, and in the face of rising expenses for recyclables processing, the City is paring down its recycling collection to every other week rather than weekly.

With most recycle collections revealing barrels 1/3 to ½ filled, City officials hope to eliminate the resulting “operational inefficiencies” by cutting collection frequency in half. Collecting more full recycle barrels will aid in recycling program cost reduction. Recycling will still be collected from residents on the same designated day of the week, and trash collection frequency will not change.

For residents who want more information on this service change, the City of Tucson’s Environmental and General Services Department (EGSD) will hold these meetings:

• Tuesday, Sept. 10 - 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Fred Archer Center (1655 S. La Cholla Blvd.)

• Wednesday, Sept. 11 - 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Morris K. Udall Center (7200 E. Tanque Verde Road)

• Thursday, Sept. 12 - 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Donna R. Liggins Recreation Center (2160 N. 6th Ave.)

• Saturday, Sept. 14 - 10 a.m.-noon at Quincie Douglas Center (1575 E. 36th St.)

• Monday, Sept. 16 - 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Tucson City Council Ward 6 Community Room (3202 E. 1st St.)

• Wednesday, Sept. 18 - 5:30-7:30 p.m. at El Pueblo Regional Center (101 W. Irvington Road)

• Thursday, Sept. 19 - 5:30-7:30 p.m. at William M. Clements Center (8155 E. Poinciana Drive / MPR and basketball court area)

The City of Tucson will also mail residents the details on the recycling change including a map and collection schedule.