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Solid Waste - Refuse Containers

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1. What is refuse?

The Maricopa County Environmental Health Code defines "refuse" as "all putrescible and non-putrescible solid and semi-solid wastes, except human excreta, but including garbage, rubbish, ashes, manure, street cleanings, dead animals, abandoned automobiles, and industrial wastes."

Read the Health Code (PDF).

2. What is garbage?

Garbage is defined as swill and any accumulation of animal, vegetable and other matter that attends the preparation, handling, consumption, storage or decay of plant and animal matter including the following:
- Birds
- Dairy Products
- Fish
- Fowl
- Fruit
- Meats
- Vegetable
- Waste Containers
- Waste Wrappers

3. What are ashes?

Ashes are defined as any residue, other than salvage, from the burning of any combustible material.

4. What is rubbish?

Rubbish is defined as the following and other similar material:
- Bedding
- Cardboard
- Combustible and Non-Combustible Wastes
- Crockery
- Glass
- Non-Putrescible Solid Waste Excluding Ashes
- Paper
- Tin Cans
- Waste Metal
- Wood
- Yard Clippings

5. Where must refuse be disposed?

Refuse must be disposed by an approved method at an approved site. Please view, for more information, our Non-Hazardous Waste Disposal page.

6. What are refuse container regulations?

All refuse storage containers made available by the permit holder for public use other than those provided by a municipality shall be plainly and durably marked with the permit holder's name and telephone number. Containers shall be of sufficient size and number to accommodate the service area, shall be emptied completely during the collection operation and where required, treated to prevent insect harborage or odor nuisance.

7. How often do refuse containers have to be emptied?

The frequency of collection shall be in accordance with regulations of the collection agency but not less than the following terms: collection for garbage only is twice weekly; collection for refuse with garbage is twice weekly; collection for rubbish and ashes is as often as necessary to prevent nuisances and fly breeding.

Any variance from the required frequency of collection must be reviewed and approved by the Solid Waste Program.

8. What is a refuse container collection frequency variance plan?

Please view the Frequency Variance Plan page.

9. What documentation is required for a refuse container variance plan approval?

A refuse container variance plan must demonstrate that no public health hazard or nuisance will exist and that fly breeding will be controlled by biological, chemical or mechanical means. The plan must also contain provisions for random inspections by the Department of at least one percent of all refuse containers.

The plan must describe how all of these requirements are to be met. The plan can be submitted for review as a written report. Supplementary material in support of the plan, such as drawings or charts, may be included in the submittal package.

10. What is the cost of a refuse container variance plan approval?

The initial and maximum fee amounts for a refuse container variance plan review are listed in the fee schedule of Chapter I of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code (MCEHC). The plan must be submitted for review with the initial fee amount.

The total cost of the plan approval will depend on the number of man-hours expended by the Solid Waste Program staff to complete the review. If the initial fee does not cover the cost of the review and approval, the Department will send a bill for the additional cost. The total cost of the review and approval will not exceed the maximum fee amount listed in the fee schedule in the MCEHC. For details view the MCEHC website.

11. How do I submit a refuse container variance plan for review and approval?

Submit a refuse container variance plan by contacting the Solid Waste Program.

12. Who has to have a refuse container collection frequency variance permit?

Whoever has refuse containers that are included in a refuse collection frequency variance plan. These must be permitted.

13. How much does a refuse container permit cost?

Permit fees for refuse containers are based on the number of containers being permitted. The fees for operating permits are listed in the fee schedule of Chapter I of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code (PDF).

14. When does a refuse container permit expire?

Refuse container permits are issued for a period of 1 year. Permits may be renewed annually provided that the permit holder is in compliance with the rules and regulations.

15. What is required to obtain a refuse container permit?

A permit application must be completed and an inspection performed prior to a refuse container permit being issued. When you contact the Solid Waste Program, an inspector will be assigned and meet with you at a location convenient to conduct the inspection and fill out the required documentation. Get this process started by contacting the Solid Waste Program.

16. When can I use my refuse containers?

All refuse containers must be inspected and permitted, then they can be used.

17. How do I apply for a refuse container permit?

To apply for a refuse container permit, please contact the Solid Waste Program.