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Service Options Available for Monsoon Storm Debris

A tight shot of the wheel of a black curbside trash container up against the curb. It is a cloudy, rainy day and there is about half an inch of standing water in the gutter. A blue curbside recycle bin can be seen against the curb in the background.

July 17, 2026

Public Works

The Phoenix Public Works Department offers many services that may come in handy before, during, and after big storms. There are also actions you can take to prevent trash-related headaches when it rains.

Before a Storm

Bag and tie all trash in your black landfill container.

Bagging garbage and grass is required by Maricopa County to keep control of insects, rodents, or other vectors that can transmit diseases. Because plastic bags get tangled in our sorting machines, recyclables in your blue bin should be loose, not bagged.

Keep a lid on it!

City City code requires residents to have lids on solid waste containers (garbage or recycling) to keep rain and insects out. It also prevents wind from blowing garbage throughout the neighborhood.

After a Storm

Branches and Debris

Fallen branches and large storm debris can be placed for bulk trash collection. Be sure to schedule an appointment first, and place your bulk items out no earlier than 7 days before your scheduled collection date. Branches must be cut down to 4 feet or shorter, and no more than 12 inches in diameter. Get more bulk trash placement guidelines at phoenix.gov/bulktrash.

Outside of bulk trash appointments, you can also dispose of fallen branches by cutting them into small pieces, bagging them, and putting them in your curbside or alley trash container. Branches and leaves can also go in a Curbside Green Organics container (without a bag, please) for those who have a subscription. Those items will then be composted at the 27th Ave. Compost Facility.

Additionally, each residential solid waste customer can drop off up to one ton of debris per calendar month (single visit) directly at our transfer stations at no charge. Be sure to bring your City services bill and your ID.

Other Monsoon Reminders

  • Return your empty containers back to your property promptly so they don't float or blow away during a storm.
  • If your curbside containers get damaged (or lost!) during a monsoon storm, you can schedule a service to have your container either repaired or replaced for free.
  • For more details about trash schedules, placement guidelines, and other solid waste services, visit phoenix.gov/publicworks.