Phoenix City Council reviews valuable recyclables and increases drop-off bin service frequency

The Avondale City Council meeting on July 7, 2025, focused on the city's recycling program, highlighting the importance of valuable recyclables and the community's growing demand for recycling services.

During the meeting, a council member inquired about what constitutes a "valuable recyclable." Harold, a representative from the city's recycling department, explained that the value of recyclables fluctuates based on market demand. He noted that cardboard, particularly from online orders, was highly sought after post-COVID but its value has since declined as consumer behavior shifted. Harold emphasized that the city of Phoenix provides a blended rate for all collected materials, which means that targeting specific items for recycling does not significantly benefit the city financially.

The discussion also touched on the community's enthusiasm for recycling. Council members expressed appreciation for the information shared, acknowledging the importance of keeping residents informed about recycling efforts and the overall effectiveness of the program.

Additionally, the council addressed the capacity of recycling drop-off bins, revealing that the frequency of servicing these bins has increased from twice a month to weekly due to rising demand. Harold confirmed that the city is currently meeting this demand but is open to expanding services if necessary.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the recycling program updates, which passed unanimously. This discussion underscores Avondale's commitment to enhancing its recycling efforts and responding to community needs.