Education and Community Outreach

In order to reach the zero waste goal by 2050, the Zero Waste team uses education and community outreach to teach the community about waste diversion. These methods include group tours of the city's North Gateway Transfer Station and Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), educational presentations to schools, neighborhood and community meetings, and informational booths at community events. 

A robust education and community outreach effort is one of the focus areas of the Reimagine Phoenix initiative, and our specialists are a great source of waste diversion education and information for residents and businesses. Please visit the Residential Recycling page for more information about the city's waste diversion programs. 

Residential Recycling

Printable Resources

Recycling Master List
Recycling Master List (en Espanol)Zero Waste Event Guide

School Presentations

The Zero Waste team gives presentations to all school grades, from Kindergarten to College level. A typical school presentation discusses what is recyclable in Phoenix, why it is important and how you can contribute. School presentations are meant to be equally fun and informative. 


Community Events

The Zero Waste team participates in various community events all over Phoenix to inform residents about the city of Phoenix zero waste goal by 2050. Please contact us if you would like us to participate in your event!



Materials Recovery Facility Tours

The Zero Waste team hosts tours of North Gateway Transfer Station, where the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) is located. The MRF is where recyclables are both hand sorted and machine sorted. Tours take place on Thursdays and they must be scheduled at least three weeks in advance. Tours last approximately an hour. 

Tour times: 

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m. - Noon

Noon - 1:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Important: Your scheduled tour will start on-time. Please arrive at least 5 minutes early to your tour. If you need to cancel your tour, we require 24 hours notice.


Business Training

The Zero Waste team is available to train businesses on proper recycling techniques. In addition, the team can also assist businesses in establishing a recycling system, which includes pairing of recycle and landfill bins, optimal location for bins, and correct signage.  

One unique opportunity that the Zero Waste team offers is the Phoenix Green Business Leader program which is a program especially designed for businesses that take an initiative on recycling. The program is free to businesses and offers many benefits including social media recognition by the city, a window decal and a plaque at the business's one year anniversary with the program.


Request Form

Please fill out the following the zero waste request form to request the Zero Waste team to give a presentation to your group, table at your event, or request a tour of the recycling facility. One of our team members will reach out to confirm the details of your request. 

Zero Waste Request Form