The city of Phoenix is changing garbage and recycling collection days for more than 180,000 households beginning July 14.

Residents in the affected areas have received notices of the specific changes for their household. Changes can also be confirmed online at phoenix.gov/garbage/garbcoll.html, where residents can type in their address to determine new collection days.

Mike Lopker, deputy director for solid waste field services, says this is one of the biggest scheduling challenges in the city's history. "To balance distribution of our fleet and prepare for future growth, the city is adding a fourth service center to house and maintain the city's garbage collection vehicles. Trucks are being reassigned to even out collection routes, and that means changes for more than a third of city households."

Residents with no collection day change also will have to change their routines. Residents accustomed to an 8 a.m. garbage pickup need to know that the collection truck may not arrive until 1 p.m. "So it's always safe to have all collection barrels out by 5:30 a.m. on all collection days," said Lopker.

Customer service staff is available to assist residents with questions on the impact of the scheduling changes. Residents may call 602-262-7251 or send an e-mail to field services staff for additional information.