At United Disposal, we work hard to provide dependable trash collection for the communities we serve. However, weather conditions can sometimes affect normal collection routes and schedules.
While severe weather can impact service, even heavy rain, muddy roads, and poor driving conditions can create challenges for our trucks and drivers. When conditions make it unsafe or difficult to complete routes, service may need to be delayed until conditions improve.
Why Weather Can Affect Trash Collection
Trash collection requires large trucks to safely travel through neighborhoods, rural roads, and areas that may become difficult to access during certain weather conditions.
Weather and road conditions that may affect service include:
- Heavy rain or flooding
- Muddy or soft dirt roads
- Snow and ice
- Strong winds
- Severe storms
- Fallen trees or other road obstructions
- Poor visibility
- Road damage caused by heavy truck traffic or weather conditions
Sometimes, delays are not caused by the weather itself but by the impact weather has on road conditions and safe access to customer locations.
Safety Comes First
Our goal is always to complete scheduled collections whenever conditions allow. However, the safety of our drivers, customers, equipment, and communities has to come first.
Wet roads, muddy conditions, damaged roads, and unsafe driving areas can make operating large collection vehicles more challenging.
If roads or access points are unsafe, a temporary delay may be necessary until conditions improve and our team can safely continue collection.
How Customers Can Help Prevent Collection Issues
Customers can help make collection safer and smoother by preparing their trash cans properly before pickup day.
Please make sure:
- Your trash is properly bagged before being placed inside the trash can.
- Your trash can is upright and easy for our team to access.
- The area around your trash can is clear of vehicles, debris, or other obstacles.
- The lid is fully closed.
- Loose items are secured, especially during windy conditions.
- Mud, snow, or other materials are cleared from around the trash can when possible.
Properly bagging your trash helps prevent loose waste, spills, and debris from creating additional issues during collection.
Strong Winds and Rain Can Create Additional Challenges
Arizona communities can experience strong winds, heavy rain, and changing weather conditions that may affect trash collection.
Loose trash can easily become scattered during windy conditions, while rain can create wet and muddy areas that make access more difficult.
Before collection day, make sure all trash is securely bagged and placed inside the can with the lid closed properly.
Need More Space for Your Trash?
During certain times of the year, weather events, holidays, or other circumstances may result in more household waste than usual.
If you regularly need additional space, United Disposal offers additional trash cans for an additional cost. Contact our team to learn more about available options.
What Happens After a Delay?
When conditions improve, our team works to resume service as safely and efficiently as possible.
Depending on road conditions and the impact of the weather, collection times may be different from your normal schedule. Keeping your trash can accessible allows our team to complete service as soon as routes can safely continue.
Stay Updated
During weather-related service changes, customers can check the schedule updates and key instructions on United Disposal’s official Facebook and Nextdoor pages.
Weather conditions can change quickly, so updates may change as our team evaluates road conditions and safety concerns.
Thank You for Your Understanding
Weather delays can be inconvenient, and we appreciate your patience and understanding when they happen.
Our priority is to provide reliable trash collection while keeping our drivers, customers, and communities safe.
By properly preparing your trash can and staying informed during changing weather conditions, you can help us keep collection running as smoothly as possible.
Together, we can help keep our communities clean, safe, and cared for.