Recycling Center in Tucson: Hours, Holidays & Drop-Off List
Use this Tucson recycling center guide before you load your car. It explains Los Reales Sustainability Campus hours, holiday closures, neighborhood recycling centers, glass drop-off sites, blue-bin recycling rules, household hazardous waste hours, 2026 HHW community events, self-hauler fees, Brush & Bulky options, accepted items, rejected items, and official City of Tucson links.
Los Reales Sustainability Campus is listed closed on Sunday. Holiday closures apply on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Tucson, AZ 85756 General Info (520) 791-4183 Holiday Hours (520) 791-3171 City Help Tucson 311 / Pickup Day → AZ
Fast Answer for Tucson Residents
The main City of Tucson recycling and disposal campus is Los Reales Sustainability Campus at 5300 E. Los Reales Road, Tucson, AZ 85756. The posted Los Reales hours are Monday-Saturday, 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday closed. Holiday closures are listed for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
For simple drop-off recycling, City of Tucson residents can also use neighborhood recycling centers for blue-bin recyclables such as cans, cardboard, glass and paper. Orange roll-offs for plastic bags are also listed at those neighborhood sites. Residents outside city limits, including unincorporated Pima County and nearby areas such as Marana and Vail, are not permitted to use those City neighborhood recycling locations.
On This Page
- Tucson recycling center overview
- Quick facts before you drive
- Hours and contact information
- Holiday closures
- Neighborhood recycling center locations
- Accepted drop-off list
- Blue-bin rules
- Glass drop-off
- Household hazardous waste
- 2026 HHW events
- Scrap metal and appliances
- Los Reales self-hauler fees
- Brush & Bulky options
- Drop-off checklist
- Official links
- Map and directions
- FAQ
Tucson Recycling Center Overview
When people search for tucson recycling center, they may mean several different services: Los Reales Sustainability Campus, a neighborhood recycling center, glass drop-off, household hazardous waste drop-off, a Brush & Bulky pickup, or a private landfill/recycling business. Tucson does not use one single place for every material.
The most important step is matching your item to the correct service. Clean cardboard, cans, paper and some containers belong in blue-bin recycling or neighborhood recycling centers. Glass bottles and jars should go to glass drop-off sites. Household chemicals, paint, batteries and electronics belong in the HHW system. Large furniture, brush, tires and bulky items may need Brush & Bulky or self-hauler disposal.
Quick Facts Before You Drive
| User Question | Best Answer | Best Action Link |
|---|---|---|
| Where is the main Tucson recycling center? | Los Reales Sustainability Campus at 5300 E. Los Reales Road, Tucson, AZ 85756. | Map directions |
| Is Los Reales open Sunday? | No. Los Reales is listed closed Sunday. | View hours |
| Where can City of Tucson residents drop blue-bin recyclables? | Neighborhood Recycling Centers: Los Reales, Ward 2, Ward 5 and West Tucson/San Antonio Drive. | See drop-off list |
| Can I put glass in the blue bin? | No. City guidance says no glass in blue bins; use glass drop-off sites. | Glass drop-off guide |
| Where does household hazardous waste go? | Los Reales HHW drop-off Thursday-Friday-Saturday 7 AM-2 PM, closed second Saturday, or monthly community events. | HHW details |
| Are HHW drop-offs free? | Free for City of Tucson residents; $10 for Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita and unincorporated Pima County residents. | Fee and proof details |
Tucson Recycling Center Hours and Contact Information
Los Reales Sustainability Campus is listed open Monday through Saturday from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM and closed Sunday. General information is listed Monday-Friday at 520-791-4183, while holiday hours use 520-791-3171.
| Service | Location | Posted Hours | Important Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Reales Sustainability Campus | 5300 E. Los Reales Road | Monday-Saturday, 6:00 AM-5:00 PM; Sunday closed | Main City landfill/recycling campus and neighborhood recycling center. |
| Los Reales HHW Drop-Off | 5300 E. Los Reales Road | Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7:00 AM-2:00 PM | Closed on the 2nd Saturday of every month. |
| 2026 HHW Community Events | Rotating Tucson locations | All events scheduled 8:00 AM-12:00 PM | HHW, e-waste and paper shredding, limit three boxes for shredding. |
| Neighborhood Recycling Centers | Four city drop-off sites listed below | Container access can vary by site condition | If containers are temporarily not onsite, city says they will be returned within 24 hours. |
Tucson Recycling Center Holiday Closures
Los Reales Sustainability Campus lists holiday closures for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. For 2026, the listed closure dates are Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026, and Friday, Dec. 25, 2026.
| Holiday | 2026 Date Listed | Los Reales Status | Resident Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 | Closed | Do not schedule a landfill or recycling drop-off on this date. |
| Thanksgiving | Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026 | Closed | Holiday week collection may also shift; check pickup schedule. |
| Christmas | Friday, Dec. 25, 2026 | Closed | Verify before loading post-holiday boxes, bulky items or self-haul waste. |
During holiday weeks, City of Tucson residential collection may be delayed by one day. Check your pickup day if your concern is curbside trash or recycling rather than a physical recycling center visit.
Tucson Neighborhood Recycling Center Drop-Off Locations
City of Tucson neighborhood recycling centers are for City of Tucson residents. The city says residents can drop off blue-bin recyclables like cans, cardboard, glass and paper, and that orange roll-offs for plastic bags are also available at these locations. If containers are not onsite, the city says they are temporarily out for service and will be returned within 24 hours.
| Drop-Off Site | Address | Best For | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Reales Sustainability Campus | 5300 E. Los Reales Rd. | Blue-bin recyclables, glass, hard-to-recycle plastics program, self-hauler options and scrap metal. | Open map |
| Ward 2 Council Office | 7820 E. Broadway Blvd. | Neighborhood recycling drop-off for city residents. | Open map |
| Ward 5 Council Office | 4300 S. Park Ave. | Neighborhood recycling drop-off for city residents. | Open map |
| West Tucson / behind Tucson Fire Station 15 | 1925 S. San Antonio Dr. | Neighborhood recycling drop-off for city residents. | Open map |
Tucson Recycling Drop-Off List: What Goes Where
Tucson recycling is easier when you separate items by program. Normal recyclables are not the same as glass drop-off, HHW, self-hauler disposal, scrap metal or Brush & Bulky. Use this table before you load your vehicle.
| Item Type | Use This Route | Important Prep Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Cans, paper, cardboard and accepted blue-bin recyclables | Blue bin or neighborhood recycling centers for City of Tucson residents. | Keep empty, clean and dry. Put loose in bin, not inside bags or boxes. |
| Glass bottles and jars | Glass drop-off sites / purple roll-off dumpsters. | Empty and clean; labels are fine; remove caps and lids. |
| Plastic grocery bags and film | Orange roll-offs at neighborhood recycling centers where available. | Do not put plastic bags or film in blue bins. |
| Hard-to-recycle plastics | Hefty ReNew / hard-to-recycle plastics program at listed Tucson drop-offs. | Use the required program bags and follow program rules. |
| Paint, chemicals, batteries, electronics | Household Hazardous Waste program. | Keep sealed, separate and labeled. Bring proof of residency if needed. |
| Scrap metal and metal appliances | Los Reales Recycling Center. | Some refrigerant appliances have a $5 refrigerant evacuation fee. |
| Green waste, pallets, mattresses, furniture, construction debris | Los Reales self-hauler disposal. | Cover loads and check rates before driving. |
Blue-Bin Recycling Rules in Tucson
The City of Tucson says residential recycling is collected every other week, on either A Week or B Week. Recyclables should be empty, clean and dry, placed in the blue bin, and set out on the same day as garbage pickup. The city also says barrels should be at the curb by 6:00 AM to ensure service.
Tucson Glass Recycling Drop-Off
Glass bottles and jars should not go in the Tucson blue bin. The city’s glass guidance says to use purple roll-off dumpsters at glass drop-off sites. Bottles and jars should be empty and clean; labels are fine, but caps and lids should be removed.
| Glass Drop-Off Site | Address | Resident Note |
|---|---|---|
| Archer Center | 1665 S. La Cholla Blvd. | Use purple roll-off for empty clean glass bottles and jars. |
| Armory Senior Center | 220 S. 5th Avenue | Remove caps and lids before drop-off. |
| Eastside Police Substation | 9670 E. Golf Links Road | Good east-side glass drop-off option. |
| El Pueblo Center | 101 W. Irvington Road | South Tucson-area drop-off option. |
| El Rio Center | 1390 W. Speedway Blvd. | West/central drop-off option. |
| Los Reales Sustainability Campus | 5300 E. Los Reales Road | Useful if already visiting Los Reales. |
| Randolph Way | 850 S. Randolph Way | Central/east drop-off option. |
| Ward 2 Council Office | 7820 E. Broadway Blvd. | Listed glass drop-off and neighborhood recycling location. |
| Ward 5 Council Office | 4300 S. Park Avenue | Listed glass drop-off and neighborhood recycling location. |
Household Hazardous Waste in Tucson
The Tucson Household Hazardous Waste program is for materials that should not be poured down the drain, put into regular trash, or stored for a long time. The city lists examples such as chemicals, batteries, electronics and paint. Los Reales HHW drop-off is listed Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM, closed on the 2nd Saturday of every month.
The HHW program is free for City of Tucson residents. Residents from Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita and unincorporated Pima County are charged a $10 fee. To prove residency, the city says you must show a driver’s license or current utility bill.
2026 Tucson HHW Community Collection Events
Tucson’s 2026 HHW community collection events are scheduled from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. During these events, the city lists HHW, electronic waste and paper documents for shredding. Paper shredding is limited to three boxes.
| 2026 Date | Location | Address / Entry Note |
|---|---|---|
| January 10 | Pima Community College East | 8181 E. Irvington Rd. |
| February 14 | IBEW | 750 S. Tucson Blvd. |
| March 14 | Pima Community College West | 2202 W. Anklam Rd. |
| April 11 | Eastside City Hall | 7820 E. Broadway Blvd. |
| May 9 | Pima Community College Downtown | 1255 N. Stone Ave. |
| September 12 | Pima Community College East | 8181 E. Irvington Rd. |
| October 10 | Rodeo Grounds | 4823 S. 6th Ave.; enter on 3rd Ave. |
| November 14 | Eastside City Hall | 7820 E. Broadway Blvd. |
| December 12 | Pima Community College West | 2202 W. Anklam Rd. |
Scrap Metal and Appliance Recycling at Los Reales
Los Reales Recycling Center accepts metal appliances and other scrap metal items for recycling at no charge for residents and commercial customers. The city lists examples such as metal fencing without concrete or cement posts, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, stoves, washers, dryers, evaporative coolers and hot water heaters.
Appliances designed to use refrigerant have a listed $5.00 refrigerant evacuation fee per appliance. Do not remove refrigerant parts yourself unless you know the legal and safety requirements.
Los Reales Residential / Self-Hauler Fees
Los Reales self-hauler rates matter if you are bringing a load that is not simple neighborhood recycling. The city lists card/tap payments and says Apple Pay, tap, credit or debit cards are accepted for residential/self-hauler rates.
| Fee / Load Type | Posted Public Rate | Resident Warning |
|---|---|---|
| Covered load under 2,000 pounds | $15 | Load must be contained/covered to prevent flying debris. |
| Covered load over 2,000 pounds | $35 per ton | Deposit may apply for estimated weight or loads over 10,000 pounds. |
| Uncovered load | Additional $5 | Bring tarp, blanket or sheet to avoid the uncovered-load charge. |
| Tires | $2 each, limit 10 passenger tires | Tire fee is in addition to other applicable fees. |
| Special handling | $42 per ton, $75 minimum | Ask before bringing unusual material. |
| Refrigerant appliances | $5 per appliance | Applies to appliances designed to use refrigerant. |
Tucson Brush & Bulky and Large Item Options
Tucson’s Brush & Bulky program is separate from recycling center drop-off. The city says crews visit residential trash service areas twice a year, and the maximum is 10 cubic yards per household. Materials must be placed out by 6:00 AM on Monday of collection week, and the city says not to put materials out more than two weeks ahead of the scheduled collection.
Brush & Bulky collects appliances with doors removed, auto tires with a limit of five in a separate pile, brush up to five feet long and 24 inches in diameter, boxed cactus up to 25 pounds, furniture, carpet, lumber up to five feet long in a separate pile, scrap metal and pipes up to five feet long.
The city lists items that will not be collected through Brush & Bulky, including compressed gas/air cylinders, concrete, construction material, dirt, stone, rocks and gravel, glass/mirrors, household hazardous waste such as paint, oil, pesticides and solvents, plus televisions and computer monitors.
How to Prepare Your Tucson Recycling Drop-Off
- Choose the correct program first. Decide whether your item belongs in blue-bin recycling, neighborhood drop-off, glass drop-off, HHW, Los Reales self-hauler, scrap metal or Brush & Bulky.
- Check city-resident rules. Neighborhood recycling centers are for City of Tucson residents. If you live outside the city, check the correct Pima County or private option.
- Keep blue-bin materials loose, clean and dry. Do not bag recyclables. Do not put glass, food waste, plastic bags or film into the blue bin.
- Use glass drop-off for bottles and jars. Empty and clean glass bottles and jars, leave labels on, and remove caps and lids before using purple dumpsters.
- Cover self-hauler loads. Covered loads under 2,000 pounds are listed cheaper than uncovered loads. Bring a tarp, blanket or sheet.
- Handle HHW carefully. Keep chemicals sealed and upright, do not mix products, and bring proof of residency if using HHW service.
- Call before unusual loads. Use 520-791-4183 or 311 if you have commercial recycling, special waste, large items, hazardous material or anything not clearly accepted.
Official Tucson Recycling Links
Tucson Recycling Center Map and Directions
The map below points to Los Reales Sustainability Campus at 5300 E. Los Reales Road, Tucson, AZ 85756. Use it for directions, then use the official city pages for final hours, holiday closures, fees and material rules.
Independent guide note: Recycling-Centre.org is not the official City of Tucson, Tucson Environmental Services, Pima County, or Los Reales Sustainability Campus website. Hours, fees, holiday closures, accepted items, drop-off locations, residency rules and special notices can change. Always verify with the official city page before driving with a paid, hazardous, bulky, commercial, electronic or unusual load.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tucson Recycling Center
Where is the main Tucson recycling center?
The main City of Tucson recycling/disposal campus is Los Reales Sustainability Campus at 5300 E. Los Reales Road, Tucson, AZ 85756.
What are Los Reales recycling center hours?
Los Reales Sustainability Campus is listed open Monday-Saturday from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM and closed Sunday.
Is Los Reales open on Sunday?
No. Los Reales is listed closed on Sunday. Use another appropriate service only if it is officially open and accepts your material.
What holidays is Los Reales closed?
The official Los Reales page lists closures for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. For 2026, the listed dates are Jan. 1, Nov. 26 and Dec. 25.
Where are Tucson neighborhood recycling centers?
Official city-listed neighborhood recycling locations include Los Reales Sustainability Campus, Ward 2 Council Office at 7820 E. Broadway Blvd, Ward 5 Council Office at 4300 S. Park Ave, and West Tucson at 1925 S. San Antonio Dr.
Can people outside Tucson city limits use neighborhood recycling centers?
No. The City of Tucson says neighborhood recycling centers are available for City of Tucson residents and are not for residents outside city limits, such as unincorporated Pima County or nearby areas like Marana and Vail.
Can I put glass in the Tucson blue bin?
No. City guidance says no glass in the blue bin. Take empty clean glass bottles and jars to purple glass drop-off dumpsters and remove caps and lids.
What are Tucson HHW drop-off hours?
Los Reales HHW drop-off is listed Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM, closed on the second Saturday of every month.
Is Tucson HHW free?
HHW is free for City of Tucson residents. Residents from Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita and unincorporated Pima County are charged a $10 fee and must show proof of residency.
What are Los Reales self-hauler fees?
The posted residential/self-hauler fee list includes $15 for a covered load under 2,000 pounds, $35 per ton for covered loads over 2,000 pounds, an additional $5 for uncovered loads, tire fees and other special charges.
Does Tucson collect bulky items?
Yes. Tucson’s Brush & Bulky program visits residential service areas twice a year and has a 10-cubic-yard household limit. Special collections can also be ordered for a fee.
Is Recycling-Centre.org the official Tucson recycling website?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify final hours, fees, holidays, accepted items and special rules with official City of Tucson pages before visiting.
Final Local Summary
For most Tucson recycling-center searches, start with Los Reales Sustainability Campus at 5300 E. Los Reales Road. It is listed open Monday-Saturday, 6:00 AM-5:00 PM, and closed Sunday. Use neighborhood recycling centers for city-resident blue-bin recyclables, glass drop-off sites for bottles and jars, HHW drop-off for chemicals and electronics, and Brush & Bulky or self-hauler services for large items.
Do not guess with hazardous waste, glass, plastic bags, bulky items, tires, appliances or paid self-hauler loads. Wrong-route mistakes waste time and can create fees. Check the official page, call 520-791-4183, or use 311 before making a special trip.