PDEQ - Quick Tip

gar•bage [gáarbij] discarded food waste or any other unwanted or useless material: i.e. TRASH

Do you know who picks up your garbage? Do you haul your own? Here is some information that you might find useful.

Residents are responsible for the proper disposal of their garbage. If you live outside the City of Tucson, please contract with a waste hauler permitted by Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) or haul your garbage to one of the landfills or transfer stations. Click here to see a list of permitted haulers. If you live in the City of Tucson, your service is through the City of Tucson Environmental Services. No matter how you dispose of your waste, please securely bag it, never discard hazardous waste with your garbage, and separate those items that can be recycled or reused by someone else.

Hiring someone to clean up your yard or haul your trash is an option but please ensure you hire a reputable contractor or a permitted hauler. Know your hauler’s name, address, and phone number; get a landfill receipt; and pay by check. These actions will help to prevent illegal dumping.

Are you a pack rat or know someone who is? Are your stored items in the yard becoming a breeding ground for flies, mosquitoes, roaches or rats? Your piles may become a hazard that endangers our air, water, and land. Please clean up and avoid contributing to a serious health and safety threat.

If you observe an illegal dump or dumping activity, report it immediately by calling the Illegal Dumping Hotline at 622-5800. Do not tamper with the dumpsite and never approach the individuals. You may remain anonymous and should leave the investigative work to a trained PDEQ inspector. Proper disposal of garbage is vital to keeping our community and your home clean and safe.