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.