Landfills & Dumps in Arizona

Arizona's rapid population growth has created a robust waste management infrastructure overseen by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The Solid Waste Section permits and regulates municipal solid waste landfills, construction and demolition facilities, and biohazardous medical waste operations across the state. Municipal landfills must comply with federal RCRA Subtitle D standards, including daily cover requirements of at least six inches of earthen material to control vectors, fires, odors, and blowing litter.

The Phoenix metropolitan area hosts several large regional landfills serving Maricopa County's nearly five million residents. Typical disposal fees range from $25 to $40 for a pickup truck load of household waste, with commercial accounts billed by the ton. Tucson and Pima County operate similar facilities for southern Arizona. Most landfills accept cash and credit cards, though hours vary by location. Transfer stations throughout the metro areas offer convenient drop-off points for residents who prefer not to drive to the landfill.

Desert landscaping creates unique yard waste challenges in Arizona. Most facilities accept cactus, palm fronds, brush, and other vegetation, though some have separate green waste processing areas. Open burning of yard waste is prohibited in most municipalities due to fire risk and air quality regulations. Construction and demolition debris requires disposal at specially licensed C&D facilities, though many transfer stations accept small amounts from homeowners undertaking DIY projects.

Arizona's 22 federally recognized tribal nations operate independent waste management systems on reservation lands. If you live on or near tribal land, contact the tribal environmental office directly for disposal options, as regulations and fees differ from state-regulated facilities. Some tribal facilities accept waste from non-members for a fee. The Navajo Nation, spanning parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, maintains its own environmental protection agency and solid waste program.

For questions about facility compliance or to report illegal dumping, ADEQ operates a compliance assistance and complaint line. The Waste Programs Division conducts routine inspections and responds to citizen complaints to ensure facilities meet environmental standards. Before visiting any disposal facility, confirm current hours and accepted materials, as desert heat can affect operations during summer months.