MARICOPA PHX RECYCLE IGA .DOCX

Maricopa County — Formal (2020-04-22)

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INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
BETWEEN 
CITY OF PHOENIX
AND
MARICOPA COUNTY
City Contract No. ____________________
THIS INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into as of                      
February 19, 2020, by and between the City of Phoenix, an Arizona municipal corporation 
(“Phoenix”) and Maricopa County, a political subdivision of the State of Arizona 
(“Maricopa”) (collectively, the “Parties”).
RECITALS
A. 
Arizona Revised Statutes (“A.R.S.”) § 11-952(A), provides that public 
agencies may enter into intergovernmental agreements for services or for joint or for 
cooperative action. Pursuant to A.R.S. § 11-951, public agencies include cities and 
agencies of the State. 
B.
Phoenix is empowered by Chapter II, Section 2 of the Phoenix Charter to 
enter into this Agreement and has, by City Council Action on February 19, 2020, 
authorized the undersigned to execute this Agreement on behalf of Phoenix.
C. 
Maricopa  has, by County Board of Supervisors’ action on -
______________,  authorized the undersigned to execute this Agreement.
D. 
Phoenix is the owner of the North Gateway Materials Recovery Facility 
located at 30205 N. Black Canyon Highway and the 27th Avenue Materials Recovery 
Facility located at 3060 S. 27th Avenue (collectively referred to as “MRFs”). Phoenix has 
contracted with ReCommunity for the operation of both MRFs during part or all of this 
Agreement.  Phoenix represents to Maricopa that ReCommunity currently acts on behalf 
of Phoenix for the operation and maintenance of the MRFs. 
E.
Phoenix owns the following municipal solid waste transfer stations: North 
Gateway Transfer Station located at 30205 N. Black Canyon Highway and the 27th 
Avenue Transfer Station located at 3060 South 27th Avenue (collectively referred to as 
“Transfer Stations”).
F. 
Maricopa desires to enter into this Agreement with Phoenix to have Phoenix 
process Maricopa County’s Recyclables at both MRFs.  
G. 
Phoenix and Maricopa believe it would be advantageous for Maricopa to 
deliver to Phoenix, and Phoenix to accept, Recyclables at the MRFs from the standpoint 
of efficiency of collection and disposal, vehicle routing, avoidance of excessive travel 
times and distances, fuel economy and efficiency, and reduction of air pollution. 
H. 
The purpose of this Agreement is to set forth the parties’ respective rights 
and obligations with respect to Phoenix’s acceptance of Maricopa County’s Recyclables

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Now, therefore, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, the 
receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
DEFINITIONS
“Average Quarterly Outbound Blended Rate” means the average sales price per ton for 
all material sorted and sold at the North Gateway MRF during a calendar month including 
tonnage from rejects.
"Hazardous Waste" means: (1) any material or substance which by reason of its 
composition or characteristics is (a) toxic or hazardous waste as defined in either the 
Solid Waste Disposal Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 6901 et seq., as replaced or amended, or any 
laws of similar purpose or effect, and such policies or regulations thereunder, or under 
relevant state law as replaced or amended, or any laws of similar purpose or effect, and 
any rules, regulations, or policies thereunder, or (b) special nuclear or by-products 
material within the meaning of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954; (2) other material which 
any governmental agency or unit having appropriate jurisdiction shall determine from time 
to time is harmful, toxic, or dangerous, or otherwise ineligible for transfer through, 
transportation by, or disposal from or to a Facility; and (3) any material which would result 
in process residue being Hazardous Waste under (1) or (2) above. 
"Hot Load" means any load of materials delivered to the MRFs which is emitting smoke, 
fire, or fumes and which may be in imminent danger of fire or explosion. 
“Hours and Days of Operation” means those hours that the MRFs receive Recyclables, 
as posted and noticed from time to time.  Currently, the MRFs receive Recyclables from 
5:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, excluding Phoenix-observed holidays 
unless the holiday is a designated Solid Waste collection day for City of Phoenix 
residents.  
“Municipal Solid Waste” means any garbage, bulk trash, and other materials or products, 
including putrescible and non-putrescible waste, organic and inorganic waste, 
combustible and noncombustible waste, and liquid nonhazardous waste discarded by the 
public, but not including hazardous waste or human body parts. 
“Processing Fee”  means the sum of the processing fee paid to the Material Recovery 
Facility processor, revenue share to the processor and any City of Phoenix operating 
costs to run the recycling facility not covered by what is paid to the processor.
“Recyclables” means post-consumer residential materials as accepted in the Phoenix 
Recycles program, having residual value and suitable for use in other products.  The list 
of acceptable materials may be modified by Phoenix, with reasonable notice to the 
Maricopa County, at any time at the sole discretion of Phoenix. 
“Rejects” means non-recyclable waste that is delivered to the facility which is segregated 
from Recyclable materials during processing.
“RFID” means radio frequency identification. It is a device that is attached to the collection 
vehicle and that will be electronically read when the collection vehicle travels over the

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unmanned scale. This device transmits a unique signal and electronically tracks 
tonnages, trucks, times, etc.
“Ton” means a short ton of two thousand (2,000) U.S. pounds.
"Unacceptable Waste" means that portion of solid waste, such as, but not limited to: (1) 
explosives, radioactive materials, untreated bio-hazardous medical waste as defined in 
A.A.C. R18-13-1401, cesspool waste, or sewage sludge; (2) motor vehicles, including 
major motor vehicle parts, agricultural and farm machinery and equipment; (3) waste tires; 
(4) used oil; (5) that which in the reasonable judgment of Phoenix may present a risk to 
health or to safety, or has a reasonable possibility of adversely affecting the operation of 
its MRF; or (6) waste not authorized for disposal at the MRFs by those entities having 
jurisdiction over any waste, the disposal of which would constitute a violation of any 
governmental requirement pertaining to the environment, or health or safety. 
Unacceptable Waste also includes any waste that is now or hereafter defined by federal 
law or by the disposal jurisdiction as radioactive, dangerous, hazardous; or extremely 
hazardous waste. 
AGREEMENT
1. Term.  The term of this Agreement shall be for a period of 12 months beginning on 
February 19, 2020 and ending on February 18, 2021. This Agreement may be 
renewed in  one (1) year increments for a total of four (4) renewal years. 
2. Phoenix’s Acceptance.  Phoenix will accept up to 1,000 tons of Recyclables per 
calendar year from Maricopa at the MRFs as part of the Phoenix Recycles program.  
Maricopa will be able to deliver Recyclables to the MRFs during their Hours and Days 
of Operation and may bring Recyclables on other days as approved in advance by 
Phoenix.
3. Maricopa County’s Delivery.  On an annual basis, Maricopa may deliver up to 1,000 
tons of Recyclables to the MRFs in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. No 
more than 200 tons of Recyclables may be delivered by Maricopa to the MRFs during 
any calendar month without prior written approval by Phoenix. Maricopa shall, in good 
faith, deliver only acceptable recycling materials to the MRFs for processing. Maricopa 
agrees to inform its residents of proper recycling practices and also agrees to enforce 
proper recycling practices. Maricopa shall be responsible for arranging a recycling 
processing contingency plan in the event of circumstances resulting in Phoenix not 
being able to operate the MRFs.   Maricopa shall make an effort to coordinate with 
Phoenix its scheduled delivery of Recyclables during workdays.  
4. Municipal Solid Waste Delivery.  Under this Agreement, Maricopa may also deliver 
Municipal Solid Waste to Phoenix Transfer Stations at a quantity and rate that shall 
be negotiated by the Parties in advance of the time of delivery. The rate Phoenix 
charges to Maricopa shall be the then-current Phoenix disposal fee provided by the 
Phoenix City Code, section 27-53.

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5. Weighing of Recyclables.  Each vehicle delivering Recyclables shall have a vehicle 
identification number permanently indicated and conspicuously displayed on the 
exterior of the vehicle which is readily visible to the staff at the MRFs and Transfer 
Stations. In the event the scales become temporarily inoperable due to testing or 
malfunction, Phoenix shall estimate the weight of Recyclables on the basis of truck 
volume and historical data obtained through operation of the Transfer Stations and 
MRFs. These estimates shall serve as official records for the duration of the scale 
outage. In such case, a handwritten ticket may be substituted for the computer copy. 
Maricopa is required to coordinate with Phoenix the installation of an RFID device and 
the obtaining of a certified tare weight for any vehicle that uses the automated scales 
at the Transfer Stations and MRFs. Incoming materials shall be weighed by weighing 
all incoming vehicles and recording the weight of each. From time to time, Phoenix 
may require revalidation of the tare weight of any vehicle or re-weighing of unloaded 
trucks. RFID devices remain the property of Phoenix and shall be returned when 
vehicles are removed from service, or upon termination or expiration of this 
Agreement. A charge of $50.00 per RFID device shall be charged for each device 
placed on an Maricopa collection vehicle or for replacement of lost or damaged 
devices.
6. Hot Loads.  In the event that a Maricopa vehicle dumps a Hot Load, Maricopa agrees 
to pay reasonable charges for Phoenix’s handling of such Hot Load. Reasonable Hot 
Load charges may be deducted from the monthly compensation for Recyclables.  
Phoenix will invoice Maricopa if no monthly compensation is due to Maricopa.  
7. Compliance with Transfer Station and MRF Rules and Traffic Requirements.  
Maricopa staff will become familiar with and comply with all facility rules, traffic flows, 
and speed restrictions.  Failure to follow such rules and requirements may result in 
restriction of Maricopa staff from using the facility.
8. Quality of Recyclables.  Maricopa staff will inspect the quality of the Recyclables  and 
will adhere to guidelines of the “Phoenix Recycles” program of what is and is not 
acceptable, as set forth in Exhibit A, attached hereto, and as amended from time to 
time in accordance with the Notice provisions hereof.  Materials will be spot check 
inspected by Phoenix staff or the designated operators on the MRFs floors. If materials 
are determined to be excessively contaminated, in the opinion of Phoenix personnel 
(rather than the contracted operator), then the materials will be moved immediately to 
the solid waste transfer area, and Maricopa will be assessed the then-current disposal 
fee per Phoenix City Code, Chapter 27, section 53. Phoenix will immediately inform 
Maricopa of this determination and make the material available for immediate 
inspection as permitted by operational requirements. Maricopa will provide 
documentation of the attempts to increase the quality of the Recyclables within two 
weeks of the excessively contaminated load. Maricopa is aware that trucks must be 
fully emptied of any garbage prior to collection of Recyclables. Excessive 
contamination means any load containing 35% or more non-recyclable material, 
includes Unacceptable Waste, or that is otherwise unacceptable for processing.
9. Termination of Agreement.  Either party may terminate this Agreement with or without 
cause by giving the other party thirty (30) days prior written notice.
10.Vehicle leaks and spills.  Maricopa shall be responsible for prompt cleanup of leaks 
or spills from its vehicles while at the MRFs or Transfer Stations. Regardless of the 
nature of any fluid leaking from the collection vehicle, it shall be cleaned up within two

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hours.  Any Recyclables that are spilled in any part of the facility other than the 
designated tip area shall be immediately contained and collected by Maricopa staff.  
Spills that are not satisfactorily cleaned up within the two-hour designated time frame 
may be remediated by Phoenix and a reasonable cost of the cleanup will be deducted 
from the monthly compensation for Recyclables. Phoenix will invoice Maricopa if no 
monthly compensation is due to Maricopa.
11.Processing Fee, Shared Revenue
11.1. Charge or Rebate.  Maricopa will pay, or receive a credit from, Phoenix for 
each ton of Recyclables accepted and processed at the MRFs. The per ton 
Processing Fee that Maricopa pays will be applied against the calculated Average 
Quarterly Outbound Blended Rate (AQOBR) per ton shipped by Phoenix from the 
MRFs. The AQOBR will be calculated quarterly using the blended rate at the North 
Gateway MRF. If the AQOBR is higher than the Processing Fee, the excess revenue, 
net of the Processing Fee, will be 50% for Maricopa and 50% for Phoenix. An AQOBR 
that is less than the Processing Fee will result in a charge to Maricopa that will not 
exceed the Processing Fee. 
Below is the current price schedule:
Price Schedule
Item No.
Description
Price
Effective Date
Item 1
Processing Fee
$75.00 per ton
Valid Through
01/01/2020-
12/31/2020
Item 2
Average Quarterly 
Outbound Blended Rate
$43.18
Q4
10/01/2019-
12/31/2019
Item No.
Description
Percent
Effective Date
Item 3
Reject Content
20%
$0.00 Credit 
Per Ton
01/01/2020-
12/31/2020
Loads with more than 35% non-recyclable material may be rejected consistent with 
Section 10 of this Agreement.
AQOBR adjustments will follow the scheduled quarters commencing January 1st, April 
1st, July 1st and October 1st. AQOBR adjustment quarters are defined as January, 
February and March (Q1); April, May and June (Q2); July, August and September 
(Q3); and October, November and December (Q4). Blended rate adjustment 
calculations for January 1st will be per the quarter of July 1st-September 30th; April 
1st adjustment will be per the quarter of October 1st-December 31st; July 1st 
adjustments will per the quarter of January 1st-March 31st; and October 1st 
adjustment shall be per the quarter of April 1st through June 30th. Phoenix will provide 
the AQOBR in writing to Maricopa quarterly.

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Phoenix will review and adjust the Processing Fee annually, subsequent to the 
amendment or expiration of the current operating agreement with the MRF operator 
and based solely on a negotiated amount between the MRF operator and Phoenix.  
Below is a sample table to be used as a reference to illustrate calculation of potential 
future charges and rebates:  
SAMPLE SCENARIO
Quarterly 
Outbound 
Blended Rate 
per Ton
Audited Reject 
Credit
Less Recycling 
Plant Processing 
Fee
Rebate = +
Charge = -
$75.00/ton
$0.00/ton
(Audited Reject 
Content 20% to 35%)
$-75.00/ton
No Rebate 
No Charge
$56.05/ton
$5.00/ton
(Audited Reject 
Content 0% to 19%)
$-75.00/ton
$-13.95/ton Charge
$90.00/ton
$5.00/ton 
(Audited Reject 
Content 0% to 19%)
$-75.00/ton
$+10.00/ton Rebate 
(Maricopa’s Portion of 50/50 
Revenue Share)
13.2
Recycling Rejects. Phoenix will conduct annual audits to determine the 
reject level of the inbound material delivered by Maricopa. The additional credit per 
ton if any will become effective at the beginning of the next renewal year. Upon 
consent of Phoenix, Maricopa may request additional audits, not more than quarterly, 
to evaluate the impact of educational, inspection and enforcement programs to curb 
reject material.  Reject content is the single biggest factor negatively impacting the 
value of the material and cost. Reducing reject content will increase the Average 
Quarterly Outbound Blended Rate per ton calculated as follows:
Audited Reject Content
Additional Credit Per Ton
20% to 35%
$0.00
Up to 19%
$5.00
Any loads of Recyclables delivered by Maricopa that, at the sole discretion of Phoenix, 
does not meet the composition or quality standards of the Phoenix Recycles Program 
as defined in Exhibit A, will be subject to rejection and assessment by Phoenix 
consistent with Section 10 of this Agreement. 
13.3
Invoices or Payment. Consistent with this Section of the Agreement, 
Maricopa will be charged by Phoenix or receive a rebate from Phoenix for each ton of 
Maricopa’s Recyclables accepted and processed at the MRF’s. Phoenix will calculate 
and invoice Maricopa by the 25th day of the month for the previous month when a 
charge is due. Maricopa will pay within 30 days of the invoice date.  For months where

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a rebate is due, Phoenix will pay Maricopa within 30 days of the date Phoenix issues 
a report showing a rebate owed for Maricopa’s Revenue Share.  
12.Indemnification.  Each Party (as "indemnitor") agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold 
harmless the other Party (as "indemnitee") from and against any and all claims, losses, 
liability, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) (hereinafter 
collectively referred to as "Claims") arising out of bodily injury of any personal 
(including death) or property damage, but only to the extent that such claims which 
result in vicarious/derivative liability to the Indemnitee are caused by the act, omission, 
negligence, misconduct, or other fault of the Indemnitor, its officers, officials, agents, 
employees, or volunteers.
13.Non-liability of Officials and Employees. No official, officer or employee of either Party 
will be personally liable to the other Party, or a successor in interest, in the event of a 
default or breach by Party of its obligation under the terms of this Agreement.  
14.Non-waiver of Liability. Each Party recognizes that the other Party, as a public entity 
supported by tax monies, in execution of its public trust, cannot agree to waive a lawful 
or legitimate right to recover monies lawfully due it.  Each Party agrees that it will not 
insist upon or demand a statement whereby the other Party agrees to limit in advance 
or waive a right the Party might have to recover actual lawful damages in a court of 
law under applicable Arizona law.
15.Organization Employment Disclaimer; No Agency.  Neither Party’s employees will be 
considered employees of the other Party. Neither Parties’ personnel will, by virtue of 
this Agreement, be entitled or eligible, by reason of this Agreement, to participate in 
benefits or privileges given or extended by the other Party to its employees. 
Each Party will assume full responsibility for the actions of its personnel while 
performing services under this Agreement, and will be solely responsible for their 
supervision, daily direction and control, payment of salary (including income taxes and 
social security), wages, bonuses, retirement, withholdings, worker’s compensation, 
unemployment compensation, other benefits, taxes and premiums. 
Neither Party will have authority, express or implied, to act on behalf of the other Party 
in any capacity whatsoever as an agent.  Neither Party will have authority, express or 
implied, pursuant to this Agreement to bind the other Party to any obligation 
whatsoever.  
16.Legal Worker Requirements. 
(a) Each Party warrants its compliance with all federal immigration laws and 
regulations that relate to their employees and their compliance with A.R.S. § 23-
214(A).
(b) A breach of a warranty under paragraph (a) will be deemed a material breach of 
this Agreement that is subject to termination of this Agreement.
(c) Each Party retains the legal right to inspect the papers of the other Party who 
performs services under this Agreement to ensure compliance with the warranty under 
paragraph (a).

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17.Compliance with Laws. Each Party will comply with all existing and subsequently 
enacted Federal, State and local laws, ordinances, and codes and regulations that 
are, or become applicable to this Agreement, including all applicable state and federal 
laws rules, regulations and executive orders governing equal employment opportunity, 
immigration, and nondiscrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. 
18.Amendments. Any amendment or modification of this Agreement shall be in writing 
and shall be effective only after signature by both Parties.
19.Assignment.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by either party without the prior 
written consent of the other party. 
20.Notices.  Any notice, consent or other communication (“Notice”) required or permitted 
under this Agreement will be in writing and either: (1) delivered in person; (2) sent via 
e-mail, return receipt requested; (3) sent via facsimile transmission; (4) deposited with 
any commercial air courier or express delivery service; or (5) deposited in the United 
States mail, postage prepaid.
To Phoenix:
City of Phoenix Public Works Department
Attn: Deputy Public Works Director
200 W. Washington Street, 6th Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85003
With a Copy To:
Assistant City Attorney
City of Phoenix Law Department
200 West Washington Street, 9th Floor
Phoenix, Arizona 85003 1611
To Maricopa: 
Maricopa County
Attn: Waste Resources & Recycling Division Manager
2222 South 27th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85009
Notice will be deemed received: (1) at the time it is personally served; (2) on the day 
it is sent via e-mail; (3) on the day it is sent by facsimile transmission; (4) on the second 
day after its deposit with any commercial air courier or express delivery service; or (5) 
five business days after the Notice is deposited in the United States mail as above 
provided. Any time period stated in a Notice will be computed from the time the Notice 
is deemed received.
Notices sent by e-mail and facsimile transmission will also be sent by regular mail to 
the recipient at the above address. This requirement for duplicate Notice is not 
intended to change the effective date of the Notice sent by e-mail or facsimile 
transmission.
21.Integration. This Agreement constitutes and embodies the full and complete 
understanding and agreement of the Parties and supersedes all prior understandings,

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agreements, discussions, negotiations, communications, and correspondence, 
whether oral or written.  No representation, promise, inducement or statement of 
intention has been made by either Party which is not embodied in this Agreement, and 
no Party will be bound by or liable for a statement of intention not so set forth in this 
Agreement.
22.Definitions, Exhibits, and Recitals.  The definitions, exhibits, and recitals attached to 
this Agreement are hereby incorporated into this Agreement by this reference, as and 
to the same effect as if recited at length in the body of this Agreement.
23.Governing Law; Forum; Venue. This Agreement is executed and delivered in the State 
of Arizona, and the substantive laws of the State of Arizona (without reference to 
choice of law principles) will govern their interpretation and enforcement. Any action 
brought to interpret or enforce any provision of this Agreement that cannot be 
administratively resolved, or otherwise related to or arising from this Agreement, will 
be commenced and maintained in the state or federal courts of the State of Arizona, 
Maricopa County, and each of the parties, to the extent permitted by law, consents to 
jurisdiction and venue in such courts for such purposes.
24.Severability.  If any provision of this Agreement shall be found invalid or unenforceable 
by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall 
not be affected thereby and shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent 
permitted by law.
25.Force Majeure. Neither Party will be responsible or liable for, or deemed in breach 
hereof because of any delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder to the 
extent caused by circumstances beyond its control, without its fault or negligence, and 
that could not have been prevented by the exercise of due diligence, including but not 
limited to fires, natural disasters, riots, wars, unavoidable and unforeseeable site 
conditions.  The Party so affected will immediately give notice to the other party of the 
Force Majeure event. Upon such notice, all obligations of the affected Party under this 
Agreement which are reasonably related to the Force Majeure event will be 
immediately suspended, and the affected Party will do everything reasonably possible 
to resume performance as soon as practicable.   
26.Conflicts of Interest.  No official, officer or employee of either Party will have a direct 
or indirect interest in this Agreement, nor participate in decisions relating to the 
Agreement as prohibited by law.  The Parties hereto acknowledge that this Agreement 
is subject to cancellation pursuant to the provisions of A.R.S. § 38 511.
27.Covenant Against Contingent Fees. The Parties warrant that no person has been 
employed or retained to solicit or secure this Agreement upon an agreement or 
understanding for a commission, percentage, brokerage, or contingent fee; and that 
no member of the Phoenix City Council,  or an employee of either of the Parties has 
an interest, financially or otherwise, in the Agreement. 
28.Cancellation for Nonappropriations. The Parties recognize that this Agreement 
depends upon appropriation of funds by the Phoenix City Council and the Maricopa 
County Board of Supervisors.  If either fails to appropriate the necessary funds, or if

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the appropriation for this Agreement is reduced, either Party may reduce the scope of 
this Agreement if appropriate or cancel this Agreement without further duty or 
obligation. Each Party agrees to notify the other Party as soon as reasonably possible 
after the Party knows of the loss of funds.
29.Third Party Beneficiary Clause.  Nothing in this Agreement, whether express or 
implied, is intended to confer a right or remedy under or by reason of this Agreement 
on persons other than the Parties to this Agreement and their respective successors 
and permitted assigns, nor is anything in this Agreement intended to relieve or 
discharge the obligation or liability of a person who is not a Party to this Agreement, 
nor will provisions hereof give a person not a Party to this Agreement a right of 
subrogation or action over or against either Party to this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Intergovernmental 
Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized officers and agents on the day and 
year first written above.
CITY OF PHOENIX, a municipal
corporation
ED ZUERCHER, City Manager
By: _____________________________
       Ginger Spencer, Public Works     
       Director
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
MARICOPA COUNTY 
By: _____________________________
      Clint Hickman
       Chairman, Board of Supervisors
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Clerk of the Board

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In accordance with A.R.S. Sec. 11-952 this 
Agreement has been reviewed by the 
undersigned attorney who has determined 
that this Agreement is in proper form and 
within the powers and authority granted 
under the laws of the State of Arizona.
_______________________
City Attorney
_______________________Date
In accordance with A.R.S. Sec. 11-952 this 
Agreement has been reviewed by the 
undersigned attorney who has determined 
that this Agreement is in proper form and 
within the powers and authority granted 
under the laws of the State of Arizona.
_______________________
Deputy County Attorney
_______________________Date

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Exhibit A
Guidelines for Phoenix’s Recycling Program
The following chart shows the materials that are acceptable and unacceptable in the recycle container: 
Materials
Acceptable
Unacceptable
Paper
Office paper, mail, newspaper, 
magazines, catalogs, magazines, 
telephone books, milk/juice cartons, 
juice boxes, paper towel and toilet 
paper tubes
Tissue paper, toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, 
hardback or paperback books, padded envelopes, 
photographs
Plastic
Jugs, bottles, jars, cups, containers, 
coffee cup lids, flower pots and trays, 
plates, clamshells
Plastic kitchen bags, plastic shopping bags, soft or 
film plastics, Styrofoam, candy wrappers, chip 
bags, dog food bags
Metal
Steel/tin food cans, aluminum 
beverage cans, party trays, aluminum 
foil, clean aluminum pie plates/trays
Metal sheets, electronics, car parts, batteries, 
propane tanks
Cardboard
Boxes (packages and food boxes)- 
broken down, clean pizza boxes
Greasy pizza boxes
Glass
Bottles, jars
Light bulbs, ceramics, sheets of glass, mirrors, 
window panes, dishes
Miscellaneous
Clothing, textiles, any bagged materials
Tips by category:
Paper
Paper products should be clean and removed from binders, folders and bindings. Paper products like 
tissue, napkins and paper towels are not recyclable because their fibers are too short. 
Plastic
Keep lids on all plastic bottles. Lids are too small to be recycled separately. No plastic bags of any kind 
(even if they have a recycle symbol on them). This includes plastic kitchen bags, plastic shopping bags, 
sandwich bags and bubble wrap, etc. These items get wrapped around the machinery and are not 
accepted in the recycle container. 
Metal
Place metal lids inside of cans
Cardboard
Cardboard is acceptable in the blue container, but greasy pizza boxes are not. Salvage the non-greasy 
parts of the pizza box for recycling. 
Glass
Due to magnet strength for sorting iron metal objects, it is important to remove metal lids from glass jars 
and place both separately in your blue recycling container.
General Recycling Protocol
All recyclable material must be relatively clean, dry, empty and uncrushed. No need to excessively wash 
recyclables, a quick rinse is sufficient.  
Do NOT bag, box or tie recyclables. Keep all recyclables loose. Keep items separate, do not nest.
 
City of Phoenix Public Works Department    |    phoenix.gov/recycle