City reminds residents to schedule bulk pickup; mattress rules and carrier delays cause complaints

City staff told the caucus that residents must schedule bulk-pickup service in advance and that Republic Services performs scheduled bulk collections, usually on Thursdays. Staff said residents should call by Wednesday to schedule the free service.

Why it matters: Several residents have complained about mattresses and large items left at the curb. Staff said mattresses will not be collected unless they are wrapped for disposal and that wrapping is a low-cost step residents can take to ensure pickup.

Staff reported occasional delays or missed pickups when the contractor’s crews are short-handed or a truck breaks down, but said the city generally does not charge residents extra for bulk pickups arranged through the program. City staff described a practice of driving routes, noting addresses with bulk items, and contacting Republic Services staff (identified in the caucus as Mona at Republic Services) to confirm scheduling; then staff will knock on doors and explain the process to residents who did not schedule pickup.

The caucus discussion was informational and did not include a formal policy change. Staff asked for patience during service disruptions and reiterated the requirement that residents call to schedule bulk pickups in advance.