In an article provided by Arizona News, the plight of Phoenix residents was brought to light. Phoenix residents, particularly those in multi-family dwellings, live under a city ordinance that bans the city from providing recycling service (private haulers can provide service to these properties, at a premium). The ban has frustrated the residents of Phoenix to the point that a petition was made to repeal the ordinance.
The diversion rate of Phoenix is last place when compared to other major cities. Phoenix achieved a diversion rate of 14% in 2011. The city of Los Angeles leads the pack of major cities with a diversion rate of 76%.
You can find the article in its entirety HERE