Thursday, March 28, 2024

Winter Weather Recovery Trash and Recycling Update

Have questions about trash, recycling and bulk pick up? We have answers.

My trash and recycling weren’t collected last week due to the storm conditions. When will collections resume?

Residential garbage and recycling services will resume Monday, February 22 on its regular schedule. However, so that the crews can prioritize collection of accumulated garbage and recycling, no brush or bulk collections will occur Monday, February 22 or Tuesday, February 23.

Please bookmark www.ProtectSouthlake.com to follow for updates related to collection schedules in the next couple of weeks. There is a possibility that due to volume, Republic Services may add additional collection days to ensure collections are completed for everyone during the week.

 

Will there be additional pickup days?

Possibly. We are working with Republic Services to monitor collection volume and if additional collection days are needed, we will publish those on the City’s social media channels, www.ProtectSouthlake.com and the City’s website here.

 

Since we will be using more bottled water, will there be additional recycling pickups?

Republic Services is not currently planning to provide additional recycling pickups. We are working with them to monitor collection volume and if additional collection days are needed, we will publish those on the City’s social media channels, www.ProtectSouthlake.com and the City’s website here.

 

What is the most solid waste or recycling I can leave out for pickup on a pickup day?

There are no volume limits placed on regular household trash. However, please keep in mind that solid waste containers should not weigh more than 50 pounds and any individual bags placed for collection outside containers should not exceed 33 gallons or 50 pounds each.

Recycling materials must fit into Republic-issued container. Recycling is collected using an automated collection system and these automated recycling trucks can only collect recyclables placed within the carts. Any recycling that is not placed in the cart will not be collected, unless other arrangements have been made with Republic.

 

What if I have things for pickup that exceed these limits?

Furniture, appliances and brush are considered bulk waste. Residents can place up to 2 cubic yards of bulk waste (the volume of two washing machines is just over one cubic yard) with each regular collection day as described below.

  • Furniture: Republic will collect up to 2 cubic yards (about the size of a washer and dryer side-by-side, for example) per resident per regular collection. Furniture includes sofas, chairs, mattresses, etc. If you have a limited amount of furniture such that needs disposal, place at the curb and Republic will collect as they can and within described limits.
  • Appliances: Dishwashers, microwave ovens, stoves, washing machines, dryers, and water heaters can be placed for collection at the curb as part of regular bulk waste collection, which is allowed at up to 2 cubic yards per resident per collection (about the size of a washer and dryer side-by-side, for example). Appliances such as freezers, refrigerators and air condition units (up to 5 ton capacity), can also be placed for collection; however, Freon must be removed and the appliance must have a certification tag stating that the refrigerant was properly removed and disposed of by a certified technician.
  • Brush: Up to 2 cubic yards of bundled brush can be placed for collection along your regular garbage collection. Bundles should be no more than four feet long and weigh no more than 50 pounds. In addition, residents can place up to 12 cubic yards unbundled brush for collection annually. This can either be done at one time or residents can opt to utilize the allotment for up to three separate collections of 4 cubic yards per collection.

 

I have furniture or appliances that were damaged due to the storm. Will those be collected?

Furniture and appliances can be placed at the curb for collection, however there are some guidelines and limitations described below. Additionally, it’s important to know that if you are working with a restoration company or other contractor, disposal services are typically included in that work and contractors should not place items at the curb for collection. Your contractor can work with Republic Services, 817-371-2424, to schedule a roll off container be provided or they can haul the waste away themselves.

  • Furniture: Republic will collect up to 2 cubic yards per resident per collection (about the size of a washer and dryer side-by-side, for example). If you have a limited amount of furniture that needs disposal, place at the curb and Republic will collect as they can.
  • Appliances: Dishwashers, microwave ovens, stoves, washing machines, dryers, and water heaters can be placed for collection at the curb as part of regular bulk waste collection, which is allowed at up to 2 cubic yards per resident per collection (about the size of a washer and dryer side-by-side, for example). Appliances such as freezers, refrigerators and air condition units (up to 5 ton capacity), can also be placed for collection; however, Freon must be removed and the appliance must have a certification tag stating that the refrigerant was properly removed and disposed of by a certified technician.

 

I have limbs and brush that need to be collected, what should I do and when will those be collected?

  • Bundled: Up to 2 cubic yards of bundled brush (about the size of a washer and dryer side-by-side, for example) can be placed for collection along each regular garbage collection. Bundles should be no more than four feet long and weigh no more than 50 pounds.
  • Unbundled: Residents can place up to 12 cubic yards unbundled brush for collection annually. This can either be done at one time or residents can opt to utilize the allotment for up to three separate collections of 4 cubic yards per collection.

Residents who need collections beyond 12 cubic yards of unbundled brush, can schedule a bulk pickup with Republic Services by calling 817-317-2424.

 

Can damaged structural items be picked up via curbside collection, such as wet sheetrock, carpet, insulation or shingles?

Generally, no. Damaged sheetrock, carpet, insulation, and other related items should be disposed of via a roll-off container. However, residents can dispose of small amounts of discarded construction materials not to exceed the equivalent of two 35 gallon sized plastic bags or corrugated boxes along with their regular solid waste collection.

Hired, licensed contractors are expected to remove any construction or demolition waste as part of the scope of their work. They can haul the waste away with their own crews or arrange for a roll off container with Republic Services, 817-317-2424.

 

I have a contractor doing work, what about construction debris?

Hired, licensed contractors should remove any construction or demolition waste as part of the scope of their work. Contractors can haul the waste away using their own crews or arrange for a roll off container with Republic Services, 817-317-2424.

If residents are making minor repairs themselves, small amounts of discarded construction materials not to exceed the equivalent of two 35 gallon sized plastic bags or corrugated boxes can be placed in the regular solid waste collection container.

 

Are there items that cannot be picked up for residential solid waste collection?

Republic cannot collect hazardous waste items, such as paint, chemicals, highly flammable substances, certain pathological and biological wastes, explosives, radioactive materials and any other materials deemed by federal, state or local law, or in the reasonable direction of Contractor, too dangerous or threatening to health.

 

Are any items too large for pickup, such as fence sections, large tree limbs or other large waste?

Any individual item or collection of items larger than 2 cubic yards (about the size of a washer and dryer side-by-side, for example) is too large for pickup. These items will have to be hauled to a Republic facility or placed into a roll-off container.

Fence panels can be cut down and placed for collection as bulk waste, providing they are small enough for the crews to manage. However, if you are working with a contractor on repairs or restoration, contractors are expected to haul the waste away or make arrangements for a roll off, rather than placing at the curb for collection. If your contractor needs a roll off, they can contact Republic Services at 817-317-2424.

Also please keep in mind that solid waste containers should not weigh more than 50 pounds and any individual bags placed for collection outside containers should not exceed 33 gallons or 50 pounds each.

 

Will my bill increase due to the increased amount of waste needing to be removed due to damage caused by weather?

No. Residents should not see any increase in their waste removal fees for regular solid waste and recycling services. Additional charges will occur if residents arrange with Republic for roll off services or for special bulk waste collection outside of what is normally provided.

 

Will the City be actively enforcing provisions of the solid waste ordinance related to length of time at the curb, placement of roll offs for extended periods of time, etc. during the first few weeks after the storm?

The city will not be proactively looking to cite residents for violations. However, we do ask everyone to do their part in making the recovery period as seamless as possible. You can help by ensuring you are placing items for collected as described in this FAQ and by working with any contractors you hire to haul waste away or use a roll off as required.

 

Is the Simple Recycling program to collect clothing, shoes and accessories still in effect?

Simple Recycling informed the City that due to the impacts of COVID-19, they are no longer collecting curbside. Pick-ups will continue but need to be scheduled in advance using www.dontatestuff.com or by calling 1-866-835-5068. Under this collection structure, orange bags are no longer required, and any type of bag or container may be used.

Cancelations and Updates for Thursday, February 18

Here is the last information on City of Southlake program and meeting cancelations: 

 

City 

  • All City facilities will be closed on Thursday, February 18. Residents are encouraged to utilize City e-services or contact the City by phone or form. 
  • Republic Services has suspended its services for Thursday, February 18. They will assess again on Thursday to determine when it is safe to resume service. 
  • Due to weather issues causing a disruption in electric power and internet services, the virtual February 18 Planning & Zoning Commission, Sign Board and Capital Improvements Advisory Committee meetings have been postponed to Thursday, February 25.  Due to weather conditions expected to improve next week these meetings will be held in-person at Town Hall in the City Council Chambers – 1400 Main Street. The Capital Improvements Advisory Committee meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. and the Planning and Zoning Commission/Sign Board work sessions will begin at 6 p.m. or immediately following the conclusion the Capital Improvements Advisory Committee meeting.  The regular Planning and Zoning Commission meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the Sign Board meeting following the conclusion of the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. 
  • The City’s Building Inspection Division will not be scheduling or conducting any on-site inspections on Thursday, February 18. Virtual inspections for water heater replacement and HVAC will still be available. For updates on building inspection statuses, please visit the Building Inspections webpage or Customer Self-Service webpage. For questions, please call 817-748-8236 or 817-748-8237 during regular business hours. The department will be continuously monitoring weather conditions to determine when on-site building inspections can resume. 
  • AARP Tax Aide canceled for Thursday, February 18. The Library is working to provide alternate dates. 

 

Parks and Recreation Programs 

  • All parks and recreation programs have been canceled for the rest of the week. 
  • The Tennis Center will be closed for the rest of the week. 
  • Bob Jones Nature Center Forest Pre-School canceled for the rest of the week. 

 

Southlake Water System Update 

The water supply from Fort Worth has been constant but at a very slow rate. We expect this rate to increase as Fort Worth’s distribution system gets pressurized. Unfortunately, we do not have a specific time when their system will get pressurized and when the water rate increase will occur.  

We have established an emergency interconnection with Grapevine to help fill our tanks. We understand you want a definitive timeline, and we want to give you one. But we are unable to do so without a sustained flow of adequate water into our system. 

 

Electric Outage 

Tri-County Electric issued an update regarding the outage on their Facebook pageTri-County Electric has requested members who are experiencing an outage of more than three hours to report it online at oms.tcectexas.comthrough the member app TCEC Connect or by calling 817-444-3201. Tri-County prefers notification through the website or app because it is faster. 

Oncor has stated that they have continued to be directed to drop the power load to the grid through maintained, controlled outages. Oncor states they were able to restore some of the previously dropped power load and increased their capability to rotate some outages throughout the territory. However, even with this increased capability, they still have many customers who continue to experience extended outages.  

 

Please visit our winter weather page on www.ProtectSouthlake.comthe City of Southlake Facebook Page, and the Southlake DPS Facebook page for the latest information. 

Republic Returns to Regular Trash Schedule

Beginning Monday, May 25, 2020, Republic Services will return trash collection to the regular schedule.

The City would like to remind homeowners that Republic Services provides curbside collection of bulky waste during the regular residential collection at a rate of up to two cubic yards per collection day without any additional charges. Brush placed out on trash days should be bundled and tied in lengths of no more than four feet and no more than 50 pounds in weight.

Additionally, each resident is allotted up to 12 cubic yards of unbundled brush per year at no additional charge. Republic will collect amounts beyond this allotment for a fee. Unbundled brush collections must be scheduled in advance through the Republic Services Customer Service Call Center at (817) 317-2424.

“More residents are returning to work and Republic has adjusted their workforce and truck availability, which will allow them to resume the normal collection of brush and bulky materials,” said Lauren LaNeave, Assistant to the City Manager. “We want to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation during the time — we know that it has been a huge inconvenience.”

For more information about the City’s trash and recycling programs, please visit www.cityofsouthlake.com/TrashandRecycling.

Updated: Temporary Changes to Yard Waste and Brush Disposal Services due to COVID-19

Due to the COVID-19 situation, Republic Services implemented temporary changes, effective March 19, 2020, to solid waste services. Republic Services is in the process of adjusting their workforce and truck availability which will allow them to resume collection of brush and bulky materials, although on a scaled back schedule. Beginning April 8, 2020, Republic Services will begin collecting brush and yard waste on Wednesdays only until further notice.

Curbside Brush and Yard Waste Collection

During this temporary period, brush and yard waste will only be collected on Wednesdays and NOT on any residents’ regular collection days. This includes all yard waste — bagged or loose. Republic Services is asking all residents to place yard waste out only on Wednesdays and to clearly separate yard waste from regular household trash.

“Currently Republic is reporting that residential trash volumes are up by 40 percent,” said Lauren LaNeave, Assistant to the City Manager. “We understand the inconvenience this causes and would like to thank our residents for their patience and understanding while the crews work diligently to collect the additional curbside trash generated with so many families practicing social distancing at home.”

Republic can ensure the collection of normal household waste that poses a health risk to residents by temporarily removing bulk, brush and yard waste from the waste stream on regular collection days.

Residents are also asked to be mindful of the amount of material that is being placed at the curb during this time. When possible, consider mowing grass clippings back into the yard for beneficial nitrogen, conduct only essential landscaping and maintenance or composting organic material.

During this modified collection schedule, existing brush and yard waste parameters are still in effect. Residents are asked to continue to bundle brush and tree trimmings in lengths of no more than four feet and no more than fifty pounds. Residents are asked to place no more than two cubic yards out per Wednesday for collection while Republic works to collect the large volume that has built up during this time.

Bagging Household Trash

As a reminder, all regular household trash must be secured in plastic bags (not in boxes or other unsecured receptacles) before being placed in trash cans for collection, due to the potential risk to waste collection crews. Please make sure the bags are secured tightly to prevent the scattering of waste and that no materials are loose in trash cans.

Ensuring that material is secured tightly in plastic bags will reduce potential exposure to the collection crews. This does not apply to recycling. Please continue to place your recycle materials loosely in your recycling carts.

Trash and recycling remains on a regular collection schedule at this time. The City of Southlake is working closely with Republic Services to monitor collection volumes, routes and the health and safety of the collection crews daily and will communicate any further changes.

For any questions regarding trash and recycling, please visit: CityofSouthlake.com/TrashandRecycling or contact us here.

Temporary Changes to Solid Waste Services due to COVID-19

To ensure the health and safety of our community and Republic Service’s waste collection crews, the following changes are being made to residential trash and recycling collection:

  • Bagging trash: Due to the potential risk to waste collection crews, all trash must be in secured plastic bags (not in boxes or other unsecured receptacles) before being placed out in trash cans for collection. Please make sure the bags are secured tightly to prevent the scattering of waste, and that no materials are loose in trash cans. This does not apply to recycling, please continue to place your recycle materials loosely in your recycling carts.
  • Suspension of bulk/brush collection: Due to an expected increase in residential trash volumes, bulk and brush collections are suspended. This will ensure the collection of normal household waste that poses a health risk to residents.

Trash and recycling will remain on a regular collection schedule at this time.

These changes will go into effect, Thursday, March 19, 2020 at 7:00 a.m. and will remain in effect until further notice.

For the latest City updates visit www.ProtectSouthlake.com.

For any questions regarding trash and recycling, please visit: CityofSouthlake.com/TrashandRecycling.

City of Southlake offers Christmas tree recycling

Give the gift of giving back…to the environment that is and recycle your Christmas tree.

Recycling your tree will reduce the amount of waste that goes to the landfills and is an environmentally friendly option.

Since real trees are biodegradable, they can be easily recycled for mulch or other eco-friendly purposes.

The City’s recycling program offers residents an easy way to dispose of their trees. Residents can drop off their bare trees at Bicentennial Park and the City will repurpose the trees by turning them into wood chips that can be used for mulch in and around flower beds or gardens.

To participate, bring your tree, minus the decorations and base to Bicentennial Park off of FM 1709.

Program Dates are as follows:

  • Drop-off: December 13, 2019 – January 16, 2020
  • Mulch Pickup: January 17 – 25, 2020 (or until gone)

If you have any questions, please call 817-748-8019 or visit the Keep Southlake Beautiful page. For more information about how real Christmas trees benefit the environment, visit the National Christmas Tree Association website.

Christmas Tree Recycling Program

If you’re not sure what to do with your Christmas tree after Christmas, recycle it! Recycling your tree saves valuable landfill space. Real Christmas trees are biodegradable, which means they can be easily reused or recycled for mulch and other purposes.

Through the City of Southlake’s Christmas Tree recycling Program, residents can drop off their bare trees at Bicentennial Park and the City will turn the trees into wood chips. The environmentally friendly wood chips are made available to residents and can be used as mulch that can be placed in and around flower beds and gardens. During the 2015 program, approximately 652 trees were recycled through the Christmas Tree Recycling Program! So bring your bare trees (without decorations or a base) to the Bicentennial Park entrance off 1709 and the city with turn the tree into wood chips. Program dates are listed below.

Drop-off: December 19 – January 15

Mulch Pickup: January 16 – January 29

For more information on this and other programs, visit the Keep Southlake Beautiful page or call 817.748.8019.

New Trash and Recycling Contract Takes Effect October 1

On October 1, 2014, the City’s new waste collection contract with Republic Waste Services will take effect. As part of the new contract, the rate—reflected on water bills, will increase by $0.17 per month, from $14.23 to $14.40. This breaks down to $9.50 per month for solid waste, $3.80 per month for recycling and $1.10 tax.  Commercial rates also will be adjusted as well to reflect a 1.18% increase.

This new rate includes trash collection two times per week, automated recycling collection once each week, bagged grass collection, curbside leaf recycling, a household hazardous waste collection event, bulk collection, and bundled brush collection.

As Southlake’s solid waste and recycling provider since 2007, Republic maintains a 90% satisfaction rate.

If you have questions about the fee increase or the City’s contract, please call the City at 817-748-8400.  If you have questions about your pickup days or are in need of some of Republic’s special services, please call 817-317-2424.

For more information about the City’s Garbage and Recycling services, please visit www.CityofSouthlake.com/GarbageandRecycling.

Take Your Eco-Friendly Efforts to the Next Level at Green Fest Southlake March 29

GreenFest

Unlike Kermit the Frog, the organizers of Green Fest Southlake want Southlake residents to know it is easy to be green! Learn how-to be environmentally friendly in your home or business everyday and invest in a sustainable future at the 6th Annual Green Fest Southlake on March 29, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Rustin Park in Southlake Town Square. The family-friendly event is free to the public.

Hosted for the first time by Bob Jones Nature Center (BJNC) in Southlake, the purpose of the event is to provide a fun, educational forum for residents and business owners to learn about the many ways to be better stewards of the earth’s resources.

According to Audra Lewandowski, event founder and board member for BJNC, she previously hosted the event through GreenFellows, Inc., a Southlake-based non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about going green.

“GreenFellows was much smaller than BJNC and we realized that if we wanted to take the event to the next level, we needed the support of a larger organization. BJNC has a similar mission and is a natural fit for Green Fest,” explains Lewandowski, noting all funds raised at Green Fest will go to fund environmental restoration projects at BJNC.

Rustin Park will be transformed into an environmental showcase of eco-friendly exhibitors and products focusing on how-to go the extra mile to be green. Attendees can expect to see the latest energy-efficient solutions for the home and business, as well as product demonstrations. Additional activities include:

  • Live entertainment
  • Bounce house
  • Prizes drawings (tickets $5 each) – individual buckets for each item
  • Juice pouch recycling contest for kids up to 12 years old – an Apple iPad will be given to the winner
  • More than  30 exhibitors including:
    • Rapid Refill of Grapevine – bring empty toner and ink cartridges to recycle
    • Central Market
    • Whole Earth Provision Company
    • SmartWool – giving away 300 pairs of wool socks
    • It’s Organic to You
    • Elevation Health
    • Daylight Rangers
    • NaturePedic Organic Mattresses
    • Batteries Plus – bring old batteries to recycle

“We want Green Fest to be a fun family event, but more importantly, to raise awareness about what else can done to live a sustainable life. Most people in Southlake recycle and have switched to LED light bulbs, but there is more they can do to be green without spending a lot of money. As consumers, we need to recognize that it is hard to find a product that doesn’t have a green alternative  ̶  from cars and carpet to cleaning solutions,”  adds Lewandowski.

Green Fest Southlake is free admission to the public. For additional information, go to www.TexasGreenFest.com.