The City Council of Temple is set to enhance its brush and bulk waste collection services following a workshop meeting on August 8, 2025. The council discussed proposed updates to the Brush and Bolt program, aiming to improve communication and service reliability for residents.

City officials reported that the frequency of waste collections was recently adjusted from 26 times a year to quarterly, allowing for four collections each for brush and bulk waste. This change, implemented in July, was accompanied by a comprehensive cleanup effort that removed nearly 900 tons of waste from the city. The new system, which began this week, operates on a call-for-service basis, allowing residents to schedule pickups.

During the meeting, officials highlighted the importance of educating residents about proper waste disposal. The customer care center has been actively engaging with callers to ensure they understand what items are acceptable for collection. This educational approach aims to reduce non-conforming waste and improve overall service efficiency.

Currently, five trucks are operational, with plans to add more in the coming weeks. Each truck is expected to handle approximately 60 pickups per day, with a total capacity of 600 collections available weekly. The council emphasized the need for reliable service, ensuring that scheduled pickups are fulfilled as promised.

The discussions also included feedback from residents regarding the previous service cuts, which were perceived as too drastic. The council is now considering adjustments to better meet community needs while maintaining efficient operations.

As the city moves forward with these changes, officials are optimistic about the potential for improved waste management and community satisfaction. The council plans to monitor the effectiveness of the new system and make further adjustments as necessary to enhance service delivery.