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Tucson Clean & Beautiful
P.O. Box 27210
Tucson, AZ 85726
(520) 791-3109
tcb@tucsonaz.gov

Tucson Clean & Beautiful website © 1984-2009. All rights reserved.
 

Recycling and Reuse
(Recycle, buy, sell, donate, rent & repair used items)

(*) Denotes donation opportunity
The Recycling & Reuse section has been divided into three separate pages, listed in alphabetical order by category.

| Page 1 (A-B Categories) | Page 2 (C-E Categories) | Page 3 (F-Z Categories) |

Food (back to top)

Are you looking to donate to those in need? Or perhaps you are aiming to reduce the glut in your kitchen cabinets and pantry space? Consider donating your non-perishable food items to the following community organizations.

(*) Catalina Community Services
3414 E. Golder Ranch Rd. 825-0009
Accepts donations of clothing and non-perishable food.

(*) Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona - Pio Decimo Center, 848 S. 7th Ave. 624-0551
Accepts donations of clothing & household goods as well as other items for redistribution to those in need.

(*) Community Food Bank/Tucson's Table
Main location: 3003 S. Country Club Rd. 622-0525
Branch locations:
Amado, 28720 S. Nogales Hwy. 398-2942
Green Valley, 250 E. Continental Rd. 625-5252
Marana, 11734 W. Grier Rd. 682-3001
E-mail: cfb@communityfoodbank.com
Through their Tucson Table program, the Community Food Bank uses perishable and non-perishable food that would otherwise be discarded from restaurants, grocers, wholesalers, schools and caterers. Individuals may also make donations of non-perishable foods to the Community Food Bank. Food items are delivered to more than 200 non-profit social service agencies that feed needy persons in our community. Also coordinates a gardening assistance program and fruit/vegetable gleaning program.

(*) Iskash*taa Refugee Harvesting Network, 440-0100
E-mail: harvest@fruitmappers.org
Refugees from around the world harvest excess fruits, vegetables, and nuts from Tucson area residents' yards, free of charge. Donations of plastic buckets, bins and crates are also accepted, for collection and storage of harvested goods. The group also accepts sewing machines and related supplies for repair and distribution to refugees' homes to enable self-sufficiency.

Furniture & Equipment-Home/Office (back to top)

Most of these businesses buy, sell, consign or accept donations of used furniture or equipment. Some also deal in collectibles.

A-1 Mattress Inc., 223 W. 29th St. 622-2204
E-mail: a1matt@theriver.com
Recycles mattresses and box springs. Sells all natural and organic mattresses and pillows.

A Treasure Chest, 2715 E. Grant Rd. 327-9001
Buys, sells and trades good used furniture, antiques and collectibles.

Amphi Curiosity Shop, 3026 N. 1st Ave. 622-0646

Another Man's Treasure, 2601 E. Grant Rd. 881-5288

(*) Beacon Group Value Village
Thrift Store, 300 N. 4th Ave. 624-3414
Furniture Store, 2700 N. Stone Ave. 792-1454

(*) Casa de los Niños Thrift Shop, 1302 E. Prince Rd. 325-2573

(*) Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona - Pio Decimo Center, 848 S. 7th Ave. 624-0551
Accepts donations of clothing & household goods as well as other items for redistribution to those in need.

Christine's Curiosity Shop and Doll Museum, 4940 E. Speedway Blvd. 323-0018

City of Tucson Department of Procurement, 791-4217
E-mail: citysurplus@tucsonaz.gov
Surplus furniture, equipment, and much more owned by the City of Tucson are periodically made available at auction.

(*) Country Fair White Elephant Shop, 601 N. La Cañada Dr. in Green Valley. 625-4119. Open 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Monday-Saturday.
Accepts donations of furniture as well as many other items including antiques & collectibles, appliances, books, cameras, clothing, working computers & televisions, housewares, hardware, jewelry & toys. Merchandise is offered for resale to benefit schools & organizations in the community.

Deseret Industries, 605 E. Grant Rd. # 111. 903-1036
Accepts donations of books and magazines, CDs and videos, clothing and household items, and furniture & equipment for resale in the thrift store.

(*) Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse, 2801 E. Broadway Blvd. 795-8001
E-mail: info@emergecenter.org
Accepts donations of cell phones, clothing, household items and personal care products. Donations accepted on Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please call or visit website for more information, and to see what items are most needed.

(*) 1st Rate 2nd Hand Thrift Store, 5252 E. Speedway Blvd. 327-5252
E-mail: 1strate2ndhand@gmail.com
Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona, the store is designed to provide a source of sustainable funding for community priorities. Proceeds from sales are distributed to participating agencies and synagogues who provide volunteer support at the store. Donated items will be sold, recycled, or re-allocated to a number of other nonprofit organizations providing material and support to low-income seniors, affordable housing options, homeless individuals, and families and others in need.

(*) Giving Tree Thrift Shop, 4221 E. 22nd St. # 115. 881-9422
E-mail: 4kids@dakotacom.net
Accepts donations of clothing, small appliances, furniture, books & sporting goods. Items are resold in the thrift shop in support of the organization's programs to help homeless children in Tucson.

(*) Golden Goose Thrift Shop, 16701 N. Oracle Rd., Catalina. 825-9101
Accepts donations of working appliances, furniture, books & magazines, art & antiques, and many other items.

(*) Goodwill Industries of Southern Arizona
1770 S. Cherrybell Strav. 623-5879
3925 N. Flowing Wells Rd. 887-2033
2907 N. 1st Ave. 882-5152
4140 W. Ina Rd. 744-7988
4995 E. Speedway Blvd. 795-2855
8321 E. Broadway Blvd.
7139 E. 22nd St. 290-2322
1680 W. Valencia Rd. 547-3464
Donations of working appliances accepted.

(*) Gospel Rescue Mission, 326 W. 28th St. 740-1501

(*) Habitat for Humanity - HabiStore Home Improvement Center, 3840 S. Palo Verde Blvd. 889-7200
Sells and accepts donations of gently used furniture.

Homestyle Galleries
E-mail: info@homestylegalleries.com
3741 W. Ina Rd. 327-5900
1010 S. Wilmot Rd. 572-9870
Buys, sells and consigns furniture.

Miracle Center Thrift, 5527 E. Pima St. 296-3337

Pop-Cycle, 422 N. 4th Ave. 622-3297
Specializes in gifts, home decor and apparel made from recycled & environmentally sustainable materials.

(*) The Primavera Foundation, 702 S. 6th Ave. 623-5111, extension 102
Accepts donations of appliances, bicycles, furniture, linens and other household items in clean and working condition, for use in the organization's small apartments and transitional living facilities.

Restor-To-Nu, 4011 E. Columbia St. Suite 121. 747-7401
E-mail: info@restor-to-nu.com
Specializes in furniture refurbishing, repair & design for homes or offices. Services include reupholstery, refinishing & painting for seating, tables & desks, and many other indoor & outdoor applications.

(*) ReStore/Community Closet, 2958 E. 22nd St. 326-1936
Accepts tax deductible donations of new and gently used building materials, usable paint, appliances and home furnishings are accepted to assist families or individuals of low and moderated incomes. The Community Closet program also offers donated clothing and bedding to needy persons and families.

(*) RISE Equipment Recycling Center, 1134 S. Park Ave. 623-7162
E-mail: recycle@riseequipmentrecycling.org
Accepts donations of computers, scanners, printers, current software and other computer accessories as well as fax machines, scanners, office supplies, home and office furniture, and other items. Also provides computer classes for worker retraining and programs for youth.

(*) The Salvation Army
2717 S. 6th Ave. 624-1741
701 E. Fort Lowell Rd. 888-9719
6715 E. Tanque Verde Rd. 722-6525
7109 E. Golf Links Rd. 722-5177
Tax-deductible donations of usable furniture accepted.

(*) St. Mary's Auxiliary Thrift Shop, 1543 W. St. Mary's Rd. 624-4697
Accepts donations of usable furniture. Donations & sale of items to benefit St. Mary's Hospital.

(*) Teen Challenge, 792-1790
Accepts donations of usable furniture as well as many other items.

Threads and More Thrift Store, 2239 E. Broadway Blvd. 745-5123
Sells and accepts working appliances as well as books, magazines, clothing, furniture and household items.

Tom's Fine Furniture & Collectibles
5454 E. Pima St. 795-5210
3402 E. Grant Rd. 321-4621

Twice as Nice Clothing Exchange
3860 W. Ina Rd. 579-3031
6336 N. Oracle Rd. 797-1214
2038 E. Irvington Rd. 889-0081
4045 E. Broadway Blvd. 881-2738
7333 E. Broadway Blvd. 298-7375
Buys and sells children's and adult clothing and children's furniture.

University of Arizona Procurement & Surplus Property, 621-1754
Conducts auctions of surplus furniture, equipment and other items.

(*) World Care/Tools for Schools, 3538 E. Ellington Pl. 514-1588
Accepts donations of gently used furniture and household goods, which are given to those in need.

The Yard Sale Store, 1837 W. Ajo Way. 883-5200
Thrift store, offering a variety of quality used items at a discount.

Greeting Cards (back to top)

The following businesses or organizations accept greeting cards for donation, or sell greeting cards made from recycled paper products.

Holdread Art Studio, 628-8180
E-mail: mudnjoy@aol.com
Creates clay art objects from recycled stoneware and porcelain, and graphic arts projects using reclaimed posters & greeting cards. Offers workshops on a variety of environmentally friendly clay art, graphics, and garden related processes. Studio open by appointment.

Mostly Books, 6208 E. Speedway Blvd. 571-0110
Sells recycled paper greeting cards.

Parcel Plus, 1451 S. La Canada Dr. Suite 7, Green Valley. 625-3930

Pop-Cycle, 422 N. 4th Ave. 622-3297
Specializes in gifts, home decor and apparel made from recycled & environmentally sustainable materials.

St. Jude's Ranch for Children, P.O. Box 60100, Boulder City, NV 89006-0100. Toll-free, 1-800-492-3562
Sells greeting cards with a re-used front.

(*) St. Mary's Auxiliary Thrift Shop, 1543 W. St. Mary's Rd. 624-4697
Accepts donations of greeting cards.

Hearing Aids (back to top)

These organizations accept donations of used hearing aids. Call for details.

Arizona Hearing Specialists, 742-2845
7574 N. La Cholla Blvd.
512 E. Whitehouse Canyon Rd. # 196, Green Valley
Accepts used hearing aids, which will be repaired and cleaned for donation to the non-profit St. Andrew's Clinic in Nogales, AZ.

(*) Community Outreach Program for the Deaf (COPD), 268 W. Adams St. 792-1906
Non-profit organization accepts used hearing aids to be retrofitted by University of Arizona Speech and Hearing, and sold at low cost to low income seniors in Pima County.

(*) Green Valley Lions Club, 600 N. La Canada Dr. in Green Valley, For more information please contact program manager (Joel Keyte) at 400-3933
Accepts hearing aids along with many other recyclable or reusable items. Site open 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Saturday.

(*) Pima Council on Aging, 8467 E. Broadway Blvd. 790-7262
Accepts hearing aids for reuse.

Light Bulbs (back to top)

One of the simplest ways to conserve electricity is by choosing more energy-efficient lighting options, including changing from standard incandescent bulbs to Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs), or even light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that are just becoming available for consumer purchase. CFLs combine the best of traditional fluorescent tubes common in commercial buildings—long life span and relatively low energy usage—into a small bulb that fits standard light fixtures. LEDs are a series of tiny electronic light bulbs that, when placed next to each other, emit as much or much more light than a similar-size standard light bulb, does not burn out all at once, and use only a fraction of the electricity.

Please note that compact fluorescent lights, as well as fluorescent tubes, contain small amounts of mercury. Please visit the Household Hazardous Waste page for more information on proper disposal options for these types of bulbs. Light bulbs are not accepted for recycling in curbside recycling bins or at neighborhood recycling center sites. Tucson Clean & Beautiful encourages changeover to new CFLs or LEDs as old incandescent bulbs burn out, to prevent the unnecessary disposal of older, still-functional light bulbs. Newer LED bulbs, while not containing mercury, are considered an electronic item and should also be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste program if no longer working. Traditional incandescent lights that are no longer working may be placed in your regular trash collection container. For more information, call 791-5000.

The following businesses and organizations accept selected types of light bulbs for recycling, or encourage the installation of efficient lighting options.

The Home Depot
3925 W. Costco Dr. 575-8750
10855 N. Oracle Rd. 877-3533
4302 N. Oracle Rd. 408-7201
1155 W. Irvington Rd. 294-1233
3689 E. Broadway Blvd. 327-3050
7677 E. Broadway Blvd. 722-6171
Accepts compact fluorescent light bulbs for proper recycling & disposal.

Safety-Kleen, 4161 E. Tennessee St. Suite 369. 790-7714
E-mail: jerry.rittmann@safety-kleen.com
Provides waste management and collection services for large quantities of antifreeze, motor oil, and other automotive fluids as well as fluorescent light bulbs. Sells equipment and products for other industrial cleaning and filtration processes.

Tucson/Pima County Household Hazardous Waste Program, 2440 W. Sweetwater Dr. 888-6947
Accepts non-working compact fluorescent light bulbs, fluorescent tube lights, and LED lights from from households, along with other household hazardous waste items for proper recycling & disposal. Dropoff also available on the first Saturday of each month at Outreach sites. A small business waste assistance program is also available.

Tucson Electric Power, toll-free, 1-800-783-7253
Through a collaboration between Tucson Electric Power and several Tucson area retailers, TEP customers can purchase discounted energy-efficient light bulbs.

Linen & Uniform Services (back to top)

Instead of using paper towels, consider using a linen service for your business. Employee uniforms and uniform service can also be a great way to encourage a professional business image while helping to reduce waste. These businesses supply bar and shop towels, uniforms, and other related materials and services.

Mission Uniform and Linen Service, 301 S. Park Ave. 622-4811

Prudential Overall Supply, 4240 S. Fremont Ave. 294-3421

Medical Equipment (back to top)

The following organizations buy, sell, rent or accept donations of reusable medical equipment. Please contact the listed organizations for more information about accepted and available items.

Metro Med, 323-9500
5410 E. Pima St.
2040 W. Orange Grove Rd. # 150.
Buys and sells a wide variety of durable medical equipment, including wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds and more.
E-mail: metromedaz@netzero.com

(*) Tucson Loan Chest, 3003 S. Country Club Rd. # 297. 624-3367
E-mail: loanches@jfcstucson.org
Accepts donations of used medical equipment such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, canes, walkers, bathroom safety equipment and assistive devices. Items are also available for loan.

(*) World Care/Tools for Schools, 3538 E. Ellington Pl. 514-1588
Accepts donations of used medical equipment such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, canes, walkers, bathroom safety equipment and assistive devices. Items are also available free for those in need.

Medicines (Unwanted/Expired) and other Medical Waste (back to top)

ABSOLUTELY NO ONE-TIME USE MEDICAL WASTE IS RECYCLABLE. NEVER DISPOSE OF ANY MEDICAL WASTE OR SHARPS IN A RECYCLING CONTAINER OF ANY KIND!

For individual residents, the best way to dispose of needles, syringes, lancets, and other sharp objects is placing them in a “sharps container”, which can be bought at most drugstores or medical supply companies. If this is not feasible, you may use a solid plastic container with a screw-on cap or a container with a tight-fitting snap cover (a glass jar can break). When the container is full, secure its lid wrapping it with tape before disposing of the safely enclosed sharps in the garbage can or dumpster. Medical facilities are required to dispose of infectious medical wastes through appropriate contracted disposal & destruction services; commercially generated wastes may not be placed in trash dumpsters.

Unused medicines should be placed in your garbage container. Do not place medicines in toilets or drains, as this can affect water treatment plants and contaminate the environment. More tips on proper disposal of medication are available, courtesy of the Household Hazardous Waste Program.

Empty medicine containers, with labels removed, may be donated to:

(*) The Primavera Foundation, 702 S. 6th Ave. 623-5111, extension 102
Accepts donations of empty pill bottles without personal information, as well as small plastic film canisters and other similarly sized containers. These types of nonrecyclable bottles and containers are reused to dispense personal hygiene products to homeless families in Tucson.

Metals, scrap (back to top)

Please see the Aluminum Cans & Scrap Metal section for information on recycling of many types of metals.

Musical Instruments (back to top)

The following businesses buy, sell, and/or rent used musical instruments.

Beaver's Band Box
4570 E. Broadway Blvd. 325-1509
7918 N. Oracle Rd. 498-0677

Chicago Store
130 E. Congress St. 622-3341
7030 E. Broadway Blvd. 886-1516

Dave's Music, 2758 N. Campbell Ave. 881-4362

Folk Shop Musical Treasures, 2525 N. Campbell Ave. 881-7147
Specializes in instruments from around the world, local crafters, traditional folk instruments, and one-of-a-kinds.

Guitars, Etc. 5646 E. Speedway Blvd. 748-1111
E-mail: info@guitarsetc.com

MetroGnome Music, 4044 E. Speedway Blvd. 320-3780
Buy, sell, trade, or accept broken musical instruments to be used as parts. Specialize in used instruments and have a full repair facility.

Mountain Music, 3880 W. Ina Rd. 579-1414

Music and Art Center
4720 E. Broadway Blvd. 323-0069
8320 N. Thornydale Rd. 579-2299

Rainbow Guitars, 2550 N. Campbell Ave. 325-3376
E-mail: info@rainbowguitars.com

(*) The Shyann Kindness Project, 749-4021
E-mail: shyannsmom@shyannkindness.org
Accepts donations of gently used bicycles, books & magazines, musical instruments, sporting goods, toys and other items. Items are used for gift packages given to children living in stressful/poverty situations.

Oil - Cooking, Grease & Tallow (back to top)

To dispose of small quantities of household cooking oil or grease, collect it in a can with a secure lid, and allow to solidify. Wrap the container in newspapers, and place it in your garbage can on the collection day. NEVER dispose of grease in your drain, as this may eventually clog your sewer line.

Grecycle, 628-4300
E-mail: info@grecycle.com
Accepts household cooking oil, fats, and grease, as well as commercial waste vegetable oil. Additional satellite collection locations also available at these businesses (please call for details): Tucson Tallow Co. 3928 N. Fairview Ave. 887-0440
Containers and pick-up services available for sufficient quantities of grease and cooking oil; dropoff also available.

Tucson/Pima County Household Hazardous Waste Program, 2440 W. Sweetwater Dr. 888-6947
Accepts cooking oil from households along with other household hazardous waste items. Dropoff also available on the first Saturday of each month at Outreach sites.

Oil - Motor & Auto Fluids (back to top)

Many local service stations and auto part specialty stores accept small quantities of used motor oil, auto batteries and other automotive chemicals for proper disposal. Empty motor oil and other automotive fluid containers may be discarded in your garbage container.

Arizona Green Business Program – “Green Shops”
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and AAA Arizona have teamed up to coordinate the Arizona Green Business – Automotive Program. Automotive repair centers certified as “green” by AAA have voluntarily demonstrated their commitment to reduction of hazardous wastes, reuse of supplies, and recycling of shop materials when possible. The first “Green Shops” to earn certification in Arizona are located here in Tucson! All of these locations accept up to 5 gallons of motor oil, along with auto batteries, for recycling. Some locations may also accept other types of automotive fluids. Please call the location near you for more details: Auto Zone
All locations will accept up to 5 gallons of used motor oil as well as used auto batteries for recycling. You can keep and reuse your collection container. Please call the nearest store to confirm that they have space for your oil:
3600 W. Ina Rd. 579-3838
935 W. Prince Rd. 293-3995
2740 N. 1st Ave. 791-3094
3605 E. Grant Rd. 326-4944
1705 W. Speedway Blvd. 624-2424
5609 E. Speedway Blvd. 721-0077
2023 S. 6th Ave. 620-6181
2880 W. Valencia Rd. 908-8505
634 W. Valencia Rd. 294-1900
4451 E. 22nd St. 747-1200
2419 S. Kolb Rd. 751-9669
8616 E. Broadway Blvd. 721-9341

Casa Blanca Exxon, 5960 N. Oracle Rd. 887-6471
Accepts used antifreeze, auto batteries, and up to 5 gallons of used motor oil.

Checker O'Reilly Parts
All locations will accept up to 5 gallons of used motor oil as well as used auto batteries for recycling. You can keep and reuse your oil collection container. Please call the nearest store to confirm that they have space for your oil:
8285 N. Cortaro Rd. 744-4367
3601 W. Ina Rd. 744-1932
2020 W. River Rd. 293-6331
3630 N. Oracle Rd. 293-2577
7871 N. Oracle Rd. 297-3374
1401 W. Prince Rd. 887-9676
1230 N. Silverbell Rd. 882-8893
1119 S. 6th Ave. 792-6337
3853 S. 6th Ave. 294-2925
617 W. Valencia Rd. 889-8331
2700 W. Valencia Rd. 883-1815
885 E. Grant Rd. 624-4930
3740 E. Grant Rd. 326-8431
4231 E. 22nd St. 326-3044
2540 S. Kolb Rd. 790-4401
8360 E. Broadway Blvd. 885-3723
9095 E. Tanque Verde Rd. # 141. 749-1294
2430 S. Harrison Rd. 886-6726
10180 E. Rita Rd. # 100. 663-3302

Tucson/Pima County Household Hazardous Waste Program, 2440 W. Sweetwater Dr. 888-6947
Accepts motor oil from households along with other household hazardous waste items. Dropoff also available on the first Saturday of each month at Outreach sites.

Large Quantity/Commercial Motor Oil and Antifreeze Recycling

Please call these companies to ask about services provided and rates.

Arizona Waste Oil Service, 4255 S. Queen Palm Dr. 745-4523

Safety-Kleen, 4161 E. Tennessee St. Suite 369. 790-7714
E-mail: jerry.rittmann@safety-kleen.com
Provides waste management and collection services for antifreeze, motor oil, and other automotive fluids as well as fluorescent light bulbs. Sells equipment and products for other industrial cleaning and filtration processes.

Thermo Fluids, 3410 E. Pennsylvania St. 294-0869.

Packing Peanuts & Styrofoam (back to top)

Packing "peanuts" can be reused, and many shipping stores will accept this material for reuse. Some stores also accept packing paper, bubble wrap, and foam padding. Please call to check with the store most convenient to you prior to dropping off any materials. Styrofoam (#6 plastic) is not currently accepted in Tucson area curbside recycling programs. Recycling of large quantities of clean styrofoam block may be available for commercial or large quantity producers.

Apex Construction Systems, Inc., Phoenix, AZ, (602) 254-1337
E-mail: dhill@apexconsys.com
Accepts clean expanded polystyrene (EPS, #6) packaging blocks or building material pieces. No charge for dropoff, commercial/large quantity producers only, contained in bags or boxes. No food-service items accepted. Please call or email for additional information and location.

Harvey's ICF Building Materials, LLC, 531 E. 27th St. 571-1424
E-mail: rastraaz@msn.com
Grinds polystyrene for recycling. Produces building blocks from recycled polystyrene mixed with cement.

Mail Solutions & More, 7272 E. Broadway Blvd. 722-0066

Pack & Ship, 7925 N. Oracle Rd. # A. 297-9977

Pak Mail, 7090 N. Oracle Rd # 178. 797-0355

Parcel Plus, 1451 S. La Canada Dr. Suite 7, Green Valley. 625-3930

Postal Annex Plus, 3400 E. Speedway Blvd, Suite 118; 323-2580

Postal Connection, 8802 E. Broadway Blvd. 886-0647

Post Net
4951 E. Grant Rd. # 105; 881-5445
2818 N. Campbell Ave. 325-4273

(*) St. Mary's Auxiliary Thrift Shop, 1543 W. St. Mary's Rd. 624-4697
Accepts donations of packing materials.

Shipping Depot, 3959 E. Speedway Blvd. Suite 311; 326-3118

The UPS Store
7739 E. Broadway Blvd. 885-2300
3661 N. Campbell Ave. 323-3535
3906 W. Ina Rd. 744-9416
3938 E. Grant Rd. 881-7600
7014 E. Golf Links Rd. 748-0350
515 E. Grant Rd. 620-1099
2004 E. Irvington Rd. 889-0077
6336 N. Oracle Rd. 742-6211
4072 E. 22nd St. 747-9800
9420 E. Golf Links Rd. 722-8272
1517 N. Wilmot Rd. 885-2526
405 E. Wetmore Rd. 887-8448
9121 E. Tanque Verde Rd. 749-0277
1645 W. Valencia Rd. 573-1554
1830 E. Broadway Blvd. 798-3646
5425 E. Broadway Blvd. 750-8600
4729 E. Sunrise Dr. 299-2188
6890 E. Sunrise Dr. 299-7177
12995 N. Oracle Rd. 825-1231
8360 N. Thornydale Rd. 744-1356
7320 N. La Cholla Blvd. 531-0800
7850 N. Silverbell Rd. 744-1999
100 S. Houghton Rd. 751-4510

University Postal, 1718 E. Speedway Blvd. 323-2162

Pallets (back to top)

Many businesses find themselves either inundated with pallets, or in desperate need of them. The following businesses can provide services for both needs.

Pallet Recyclers, 790-7383
Buys and sells reusable 48" x 40" pallets.

Quality Pallet and Tree Box Co. 9627 N. Casa Grande Hwy. 744-3889
Buys and sells reusable pallets.

State Wide Products Co. 4160 E. Tennessee St. 748-1468
Buys and sells reusable pallets

Paper-Shredding and Document Destruction (back to top)

Many types of paper are accepted in curbside recycling bins. Please see the Recycling in Tucson & Pima County section for items accepted. Shredded office paper is accepted in the City of Tucson Blue Barrel Recycling program and at Neighborhood Recycling Centers, if contained in a clear plastic bag. Shredded paper is not currently accepted in other local curbside recycling programs. These businesses and organizations provide office paper collection, shredding, and document destruction services.

Arizona DES Community Employment Services, 745-5588, extension 1326
Also offers free pickup of aluminum cans.

Arizona Verified Information Destruction (AVID), 8644 E. Getsinger Ln. 623-7588

Beacon Group/Beacon Secure Confidential Document Destruction, 308 W. Glenn St. 352-9951
E-mail: info@beaconsecure.com

Friedman Waste Control Systems, 696-0660

Green Valley Lions Recycling Center, 600 N. La Canada Dr. in Green Valley (near library). For more information please contact program manager (Joel Keyte) at 400-3933
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Saturday.
Non-profit recycling project; proceeds donated to a variety of local, national & international programs. Co-sponsored by La Canoa Lions. This site accepts a variety of paper, including newspaper, magazines, office paper, catalogs, phone books, junk mail, and paper bags. Also accepts aluminum cans. Additional items accepted for recycling include Cell Phones, Eyeglasses, frames & cases, and Hearing Aids.

Pawn Shops (back to top)

Shopping at pawn shops is just one more way to close the reduce-reuse-recycle loop! Pawn shop businesses specialize in previously owned merchandise at relatively low prices. They carry a variety of products ranging from electronics to jewelry to furniture, and much more. Check your telephone directory for a complete listing of local pawn shops, or to find the closest location to you.

Plastic Bags (back to top)

Plastic bags are an excellent example of the Reduce – Reuse – Recycle options.
The best you can do is reduce litter and waste by using a long-lasting shopping bag.
The second best option is to reuse the plastic bags when you go shopping. The businesses listed below actually credit you for doing so. You may also reuse the grocery plastic bags to properly dispose of your garbage; just tie them tight to prevent litter and to reduce odors and flies.
In the Tucson area, plastic bags should never be disposed of through a curbside or public drop-off recycling service, because the local Materials Recovery Facilities cannot process them, due to cleanliness and marketabilty issues. Nevertheless, should you decide to make the extra effort, you can support certain businesses that have plastic bag collection programs; just make sure that they are clean and empty (i.e., receipts removed); otherwise they can not be processed.
  • AJ's Fine Foods: Stores offer plastic bag collection containers, as well as a 5 cent bag reuse discount.
  • Albertsons: Stores offer plastic bag collection containers, as well as a 5 cent bag reuse discount.
  • Bashas': Stores offer plastic bag collection containers, as well as a 5 cent bag reuse discount.
  • Food City: Stores offer plastic bag collection containers, as well as a 5 cent bag reuse discount.
  • Food Conspiracy Co-op: This store offers plastic bag collection containers, as well as a 5 cent bag reuse discount.
  • Fry's Food & Drug: Stores offer a 5 cent bag reuse discount.
  • New Life Health Centers: Stores offer plastic bag collection containers, as well as a 5 cent bag reuse discount.
  • Safeway: Some stores offer plastic bag collection containers.
  • Sunflower Farmers Market: Stores offer plastic bag collection containers, as well as a 5 cent bag reuse discount.
  • Wal-Mart: Stores offer plastic bag collection containers.
  • Whole Foods Market: Stores offer a 5 cent bag reuse discount or 5 cent donation to charity.
Last but not least, plastic bags cause unsightly litter, more so when flown into Tucson’s clean and beautiful urban areas and their pristine desert surroundings. In certain cases the plastic bags can also be a hazard to wildlife and livestock. Please do your part to reduce waste and litter by making it a habit of minimizing your use of plastic bags.

Plastic Containers, Buckets and Black Plastic Plant Pots (back to top)

In the Tucson area, the only recyclable plastics are the bottles and jugs with a screw-on cap or a neck, marked with a # 1 (PETE) or # 2 (HDPE) and which are not hazardous material containers; therefore, ANY OTHER PLASTIC ITEM IS NOT RECYCLABLE IN THE TUCSON AREA, even if it has a recycling sign. Unless you have an alternative to reuse it, you should dispose of that plastic in the garbage container.

Certain businesses and organizations can reuse certain plastic containers. Plastic buckets, plant pots, and pill bottles are not recyclable in Tucson area curbside recycling programs. Reuse or donate them when possible. These businesses and agencies accept or sell clean, reusable black plastic plant pots, clean, reusable white 5-gallon buckets, or empty pill bottles. Please call to confirm if they can accept your items.

(*) Desert Survivors, 1020 W. Starr Pass Blvd. 791-9309
Accepts black plastic plant pots. Other colors of reusable pots may also be available free of charge.

Eegee's, 3360 E. Ajo Way. 294-3333
Sells clean, used 5 gallon plastic buckets and lids.

Household Hazardous Waste Program, 2440 W. Sweetwater Dr. 888-6947
Open Fri & Sat, 8 a.m. to 12 noon
Accepts clean, reusable 5 gallon plastic buckets and lids only.

(*) Iskash*taa Refugee Harvesting Network, 440-0100
E-mail: harvest@fruitmappers.org
Refugees from around the world harvest excess fruits, vegetables, and nuts from Tucson area residents' yards, free of charge. Donations of plastic buckets, bins and crates are also accepted, for collection and storage of harvested goods. The group also accepts sewing machines and related supplies for repair and distribution to refugees' homes to enable self-sufficiency.

(*) The Primavera Foundation, 702 S. 6th Ave. 623-5111, extension 102
Accepts donations of empty pill bottles without personal information, as well as small plastic film canisters and other similarly sized containers. These types of bottles and containers are reused to dispense personal hygiene products to homeless families in Tucson. Clothing, household appliances and furniture are also accepted for use in transitional housing and emergency services programs.

(*) St. Mary's Auxiliary Thrift Shop, 1543 W. St. Mary's Rd. 624-4697
Accepts donations of plastic buckets.

Sonoran Desert Nursery, 901 E. 12th St. 791-2334
Accepts black plastic plant pots.

(*) Trees for Tucson, a program of Tucson Clean & Beautiful, 791-3109
E-mail: tcb@tucsonaz.gov
Accepts donations of black plastic plant containers (5 gallon and 15 gallon size). Pickup available for quantities of at least 5 containers.

Zee's and Southwestern Mineral, 2990 E. Michigan St. 294-9316
Accepts 5 gallon plastic buckets only.

Plastics-Industrial (back to top)

Businesses listed below may accept large quantities of industrial-generated plastic waste. Call or email for details.

Plastics Recovery, Inc., 1918 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ 85009. (602) 340-0400
E-mail: plasticsrecovery@mindspring.com
Specializes in recycling of post-industrial thermal plastics (no residential or post-consumer plastic products accepted). Tucson Clean & Beautiful Member.

Printer/Copier Cartridges-Laser/Inkjet (back to top)

Businesses listed below buy, sell or accept used toner, inkjet, or ribbon cartridges, for refill or remanufacture.

Arizona Ink, Ltd., 885-1785
E-mail: info@azink.com

American Retroworks - West, Inc., Bisbee, AZ. Toll-free, 1-877-382-8501
E-mail: rdm@retroworks.com
Recycling and disposal management services for computers, televisions, telephones, microwaves, printer cartridges, and many other types of electronics.

Arizona's Printer Services, 7349 E. Broadway Blvd. 722-4187

Best Computer Products, 4140 W. Ina Rd. Suite 70. 579-0334

Cartridge World Marana, 8295 N. Cortaro Rd. Suite 107. 572-6608
E-mail: read@cwmarana.com

Cartridge World Tucson
4592 E. Broadway Blvd. 325-7979
7292 N. Oracle Rd. 544-4646
9431 E. 22nd St. 298-2424
E-mail: cartridgeworldtucson@comcast.net
Tucson Clean & Beautiful Member Discount Available!
Provides inkjet and laser toner cartridge refill services, as well as printer and toner cartridge recycling programs to benefit Tucson Clean & Beautiful and other designated nonprofit organizations.

Ink Solution, 323-5811
Provides inkjet and toner printer cartridge refill services. Will accept empty used cartridges to benefit Tucson Clean & Beautiful and other designated nonprofit organizations.
E-mail: inksolutiontucson@yahoo.com

Laser & Computer Options, 920 S. Warren Ave. # 117. 792-0557
E-mail: kmoroney@toner-low.com
Also sells printers.

Laser Rite, 888-5881

Laser Tech, 7739 E. Broadway Blvd. 886-5687

Laser Xperts, 3890 S. Evans Blvd. 886-8301
E-mail: mail@laserxperts.com
Also sells used laser printers.

Ribbon Recyclers Etc., 3839 N. Oracle Rd. 888-2382
E-mail: mikebenz@ribbonrecyclers.com
Tucson Clean & Beautiful Member Discount Available!

Sporting Goods/Outdoor Equipment (back to top)

Purchasing sporting goods and outdoor equipment secondhand is sure to help you save money! Alternately, such items in your storage that are still in good shape, yet of no use to you, can either be sold or donated to the following businesses and organizations.

Miller's Surplus, 622-4777
406 N. 6th Ave.
1537 S. Craycroft Rd.
E-mail: millerssurplus@yahoo.com

(*) Giving Tree Thrift Shop, 4221 E. 22nd St. # 115. 881-9422
E-mail: 4kids@dakotacom.net
Accepts donations of clothing, small appliances, furniture, books & sporting goods. Items are resold in the thrift shop in support of the organization's programs to help homeless children in Tucson.

Monument Camera, 15 E. Fort Lowell Rd. 690-1484
Email: azoptic@aol.com
Buy, sell, trade & repair used cameras & accessories as well as outdoor camping equipment & supplies.

Play It Again Sports
4128 N. Oracle Rd. 293-2010
E-mail: oracle@piastucson.com
7280 E. Broadway Blvd. 296-6888

4750 E. Speedway Blvd. 795-0363

(*) St. Mary's Auxiliary Thrift Shop, 1543 W. St. Mary's Rd. 624-4697
Accepts donations of sporting goods. Donations & sale of items to benefit St. Mary's Hospital.

(*) The Shyann Kindness Project, 749-4021
E-mail: shyannsmom@shyannkindness.org
Accepts donations of gently used bicycles, books & magazines, musical instruments, sporting goods, toys and other items. Items are used for gift packages given to children living in stressful/poverty situations.

22nd Street Thrift Store, 8099 E. 22nd St. 298-2800
Sells and accepts donations of clothing, books, toys, tools, videos, and other household items. Donations benefit the Tucson Police Foundation.

The Yard Sale Store, 1837 W. Ajo Way. 883-5200
Thrift store, offering a variety of quality used items at a discount.

Televisions (back to top)

As technology continues to change rapidly from traditional analog tube-style and projection televisions to newer high-definition and flat-screen technologies, interest continues to grow in learning how to properly reuse and recycle televisions. Expediting this technology change is a federal government mandate that broadcast-television over the airwaves be converted to digital technology by June 12, 2009. Some facts regarding televisions that may aid your technology decisions and potential reuse & disposal options:
  • Traditional analog/tube-style televisions will not become obsolete on June 12, 2009. It is not a requirement to buy a new television if your current one works.
  • Cable and satellite television customers do not need to make any changes to their television and related equipment. A cable or satellite converter box already includes digital-to-analog converters.
  • If you do not have paid cable or satellite TV service and use your antenna or "rabbit ears" to pick up a signal, you will need to obtain a digital-to-analog signal converter. These converters are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and are available at most electronics retailers. In addition, the federal government has made available a limited number of TV Converter Box Coupons to defray most, if not all, of the purchase price of these converters.
  • Please call toll-free, 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009) or visit the Federal Communications Commission, Digital TV Transition website for more information.
The following businesses, organizations, and programs may accept working or non-working televisions for repair, reuse, recycling, or disposal. Please contact the listed agency for more information:

A+ Computers, 747-4668
E-mail: pcstuff711@yahoo.com Buys, sells & recycles used computers, small televisions under 25 inches, VCRs and other small electronic equipment.

American Retroworks - West, Inc., Bisbee, AZ. Toll-free, 1-877-382-8501
E-mail: rdm@retroworks.com
Accepts working and non-working televisions, working/non-working computers, telephones, microwaves, printer cartridges, and many other types of electronics. Call for pick-up arrangements. Fees may apply.

(*) Country Fair White Elephant Shop, 601 N. La Cañada Dr. in Green Valley. 625-4119.
Accepts donations of working computers & televisions, along with many other items. Merchandise is offered for resale to benefit schools & organizations in the community.

The Freecycle Network
This online community provides a free service for people who would like to give away and/or receive reusable items, including televisions and other electronics. Everything posted on locally-based internet/email lists must be free of charge.

(*) Habitat for Humanity - HabiStore Home Improvement Center, 3840 S. Palo Verde Blvd. 889-7200
Accepts working televisions, microwaves and other working electronics for resale to benefit Habitat for Humanity programs.

(*) RISE Equipment Recycling Center, 1134 S. Park Ave. 623-7162
E-mail: recycle@riseequipmentrecycling.org
Accepts donations of working and non-working televisions, computers, scanners, printers, current software and other computer accessories as well as fax machines, office supplies, home and office furniture, and many other items. Also provides computer classes for worker retraining and programs for youth. Fees may apply for recycling of certain items.

(*) The Salvation Army
2717 S. 6th Ave. 624-1741
701 E. Fort Lowell Rd. 888-9719
6715 E. Tanque Verde Rd. 722-6525
7109 E. Golf Links Rd. 722-5177
Accepts donations of working televisions and computers, as well as other working electronic items.

(*) World Care/Tools for Schools, 3538 E. Ellington Pl. 514-1588
Accepts donations of working televisions and computers, computer accessories, electronics, and many other items. Fees may apply for recycling of certain items.

Disposal

City of Tucson Environmental Services - Los Reales Landfill, 5300 E. Los Reales Rd. 791-5151
Accepts non-working televisions from residential waste self-haulers. A fee of $10 per load for television and other trash disposal (under one ton) applies.

Tires (back to top)

It is illegal to dispose of tires in your solid waste container or at the landfill. Residents may take up to 5 tires (off the rim) to any landfill or transfer station, fees may apply. Pima County Ina Road site will accept larger quantities; fees apply. Call 740-3340 for more details on the Pima County Waste Tire program. Tires still showing usable tread can often be sold or given to used tire dealers. Tire retailers may also accept unusable tires for recycling. Fees may apply. Please look in your telephone directory and call your local tire dealer for more details. Private landfills do not accept tires.

Tools & Machinery (back to top)

Tools always come in handy! Consider buying used, or selling/donating those you no longer need.

Kent's Tools, 133 E. Grant Rd. 624-8098
E-mail: kentstools@aol.com
Tucson Clean & Beautiful Member Discount Available!
Buys & sells used tools & machinery.

Travel Trailers (back to top)

Have an old travel trailer or related parts/accessories on your property that you’d like to get rid of? Check out the local options below.

OldTrailerGuy, 2643 N. 1st Ave. 990-9589
The OldTrailerGuy offers free removal to civic organizations, non-profit groups, and individuals, of old travel trailers manufactured from the 1930’s to the 1960’s.

Ventana Vintage Trailers, 2643 N. 1st Ave. 990-9589
Travel trailers manufactured from the 1930’s to the 1960’s are accepted for restoration. Also accepts travel trailers parts for old trailers, as well as furniture, appliances, lighting fixtures, cabinet and door hardware, plumbing fixtures, fabrics and other items from the 1930’s to the 1960’s that can be used to restore old travel trailers.


Tucson Clean & Beautiful Reduce-Reuse-Recycle Directory for Tucson and Pima County © 1984-2009. Information is for individual use only, and may not be reproduced for commercial use without the express written consent of Tucson Clean & Beautiful. Tucson Clean & Beautiful is not responsible for the content of outside website links.

Questions? Comments? Corrections or additions? Contact us!

Tucson Clean & Beautiful
P.O. Box 27210
Tucson, AZ 85726
Tucson Recycles Info Line
(520) 791-5000
tcb@tucsonaz.gov