City Council plans on-demand brush and bulk waste pickup starting August 4

The City Council of Temple held a workshop meeting on July 3, 2025, focusing on the upcoming changes to the city's brush and bulk waste pickup services. A key discussion point was the implementation of a new scheduling system aimed at improving service efficiency and responsiveness to resident needs.

City officials emphasized the importance of establishing a clear timeline for waste pickups, with a proposal to allow residents to place items at the curb seven days before their scheduled appointment. This change aims to alleviate confusion and frustration among residents who may not be aware of their pickup schedules. Council members debated the practicality of this approach, considering that many residents tend to call for pickups only after placing items on the curb. The consensus was to monitor the situation closely and make adjustments as necessary after the new system is in place.

The council also discussed the operational readiness of the city's fleet, which includes eight frontline trucks and two spares. Plans are in place to ensure that all trucks are fully operational by the time the new service begins on August 4. The city is working with a contractor to conduct a citywide sweep starting July 9, which will help clear existing waste before the new scheduling system takes effect.

In addition to the scheduling changes, the council highlighted the need for effective communication with residents. They plan to launch an educational campaign to inform the public about the new procedures and encourage them to schedule pickups in advance. This proactive approach aims to prevent backlogs and ensure that the service runs smoothly from the outset.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit the new system after a few months of operation to assess its effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments. The council's focus remains on enhancing service delivery and addressing community concerns regarding waste management.