Mayor and Council Votes to Remove Glass from Blue Barrel Recycling Program
On Tuesday, Nov. 17, the City of Tucson Mayor and Council voted to remove glass from the residential and commercial blue barrel recycling program. The blue bins will no longer accept glass. However, drop-off sites will collect glass across the city starting Feb. 1, 2021.
By removing glass from curbside collection, the Environmental and General Services Department (EGSD) will reduce processing costs at the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), while implementing a communitywide glass collection program that keeps glass for reuse locally, and reducing our environmental footprint. The reuse of glass locally provides the City with more program control, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This program will support the City’s newly adopted Climate Action Plan.
Blue Barrel Recycling Program
Drop-off sites will be opening in February. Secondly, EGSD customers will receive information in January. Glass dropped off should be empty, clean, and dry, with lids and caps removed however there is no need to remove the labels.
Immediately starting Feb. 21, 2021, the blue barrel program will accept:
- Plastic bottles, jugs, and containers
- Paper
- Cardboard
- Aluminum/tin cans
Additionally, anyone with questions can email EShelp@tucsonaz.gov or call 791-3171.