Are you Recycling Right?

Non-accepted items significantly increase recycling costs, interfere with the sorting process and ruin other recyclable material.  Therefore, it is important to only place the following items in Mesa’s recycle barrel (clean, dry and unbagged):

• Beverage bottles, jugs and cans
• Metal food cans
• Corrugated cardboard (remove all packaging)
• Paper (office paper, newspaper, mail and magazines)

In addition to a printable flyer, we also have a Recycle Right Wizard online search tool to help City of Mesa solid waste customers become better recyclers.  Simply type in the name of any item and the Recycle Right Wizard will let you know how to properly dispose of it.  The Recycle Right Wizard can be found at MesaRecycles.org and on the MesaNow app.

Interested in learning more?  We recently had a one-on-one interview with our Environmental Management director to discuss the current trends in the recycling industry and its impact on Mesa’s recycling program.

What’s the most valuable card in your wallet?

Your library card! With the average purchase cost of one book at around $17, borrowing — rather than buying — adds up quickly.

Now you can apply for a library card online to get access to our world of resources. Anyone who lives in Maricopa County for at least 30 consecutive days a year or who works, owns property, or attends school within the County is eligible for a free Mesa Public Library card.

You can check out physical materials at our Park & Pick-Up and Grab & Go hours. Enjoy our new arrival books and movies, favorite picture books and chapter books — you can even check out cake pans. Your library card allows you to access all our e-resources and downloadables from home, including the largest ebook collection in Arizona (plus tons of audiobooks) from CloudLibrary and Overdrive. Stream AcornTV, explore The Great Courses, learn a new skill with lynda.com, and so much more!

Submit the online application, and we’ll mail your card right to you. If you already have a card, tell a friend!

Online Application

Spring recreation program registration open

Registration is underway for the City’s Parks and Recreation spring programs. These programs include swim lessons, lifeguard training, tennis lessons, spring break camps, adaptive sports and special interest classes. Youth Sports programs include archery, golf, lacrosse, soccer and track and field.  Adult Sports programs, like softball, tennis and volleyball, offer fun social activities during evenings and weekends at Mesa’s award-winning sports fields.

The goal of Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities is to keep kids and adults active while following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. We are taking several safety measures for our classes.

Learn More or Register

Rake up savings with lower water usage

There are a number of ways to save water in your landscape, and there are some very good reasons to do so. Over half of the water we use at home is used outdoors, which makes watering efficiently one of the best and easiest ways to save water. Proper watering will also keep your landscape plants healthy and beautiful throughout the year. Visit our January watering guidelines, then subscribe to get our monthly updates and tips delivered right to your inbox.

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Make a resolution that will help you have 12 months of safety

Energy safety is an easy resolution to make, and one of the most beneficial ways to protect yourself and your family. Start the New Year right with an annual natural gas safety check.

Maintaining your natural gas appliances is the best way to ensure they are operating properly. Natural gas appliances should have a steady blue flame. If gas appliances are not operating properly or are not vented correctly, carbon monoxide (CO) may be produced. CO is a colorless and odorless toxic gas that can be fatal. Initial symptoms are similar to the flu without fever and may include nausea, fatigue, dizziness, or headaches.  CO can affect everyone differently. If you suspect CO poisoning, leave the premises and get into fresh air immediately and call 911. Do not re-enter the building until emergency responders have determined it is safe to do so.

Here are some home safety tips:

• Follow all manufacturers’ recommendations for gas appliances.
• Have a qualified professional check indoor/outdoor natural gas appliances.
• Periodically inspect the gas piping to your outdoor appliances (grills, pool heaters, firepits, etc.) for leaks and signs of corrosion (rust). If an unsafe condition is discovered, contact a qualified plumber or contractor to perform an inspection on your system or appliances and complete any needed repairs.
• Protect your natural gas meter from vehicular damage (i.e. cars, boats, trailers), overgrown roots, plants, shrubs, or trees.
• Do not chain anything to the meter or place anything that may cause extra weight or strain on the meter.
• Never attempt to service or maintain a meter yourself.  Always contact your gas company for servicing your gas meter.

If you smell gas (rotten egg odor) or suspect a gas leak, leave the area and call
480-644-4277(GASS) or 911. For additional information on natural gas safety, visit

Energy

Historic photo wraps at Falcon Field Airport

The role that women played in aviation during World War II, as well as in the present day, was celebrated recently with installation of a giant photographic portrait on the south side of the air traffic control tower at Mesa’s Falcon Field Airport. The unidentified woman portrayed is spraying a cleaning solution onto the aircraft engine assembly of a T-6 aircraft, which was one of the primary aircraft in which pilots were trained during World War II. A virtual dedication celebrates installation of the newest historic portrait.

Learn more in the East Valley Tribune article "Falcon Field building wraps a stunning memorial."