Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Sanitation Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council weighs options after complaints about 96‑gallon carts: education, smaller carts, contract review suggested
Summary
Residents and councilors raised repeated concerns March 17 about the visibility and placement of the city’s new 96‑gallon trash and recycling carts and asked staff to examine solutions including better education, ordinance clarification or negotiation with the hauler for alternative cart sizes.
Residents and councilors raised repeated concerns March 17 about the visibility and placement of the city’s new 96‑gallon trash and recycling carts and asked staff to examine solutions including better education, ordinance clarification or negotiation with the hauler for alternative cart sizes.
Deputy City Manager Isam Cameron told the council the current contract with Republic Waste Services began June 1, 2024 and that the city amended its ordinance to require use of the issued carts for setout. Before that contract, trash could be placed in suitably tied bags for curb pickup, he said.
Council members said the large carts can be unwieldy for residents with small lots, zero‑lot‑line homes or townhomes and can be left in alleys or streets when residents work outside the home. Council member Parett Parker urged staff to consider requiring carts be stored “out of sight” when not on the curb, while others suggested making the application form or outreach clearer for residents who need help securing carts.
Cameron said staff would ask Republic whether there are smaller cart options, whether the company can accept returns or refurbished carts, and whether credits or trade‑ins are possible. He also said automated or “arms‑load” trucks are an industry trend but that the city’s alleys may limit immediate adoption; staff said the contract did not require an immediate change to automated trucks.
Council members also asked for an outreach and feedback mechanism, such as a short online survey or QR code tied to service visits, to collect resident input about the carts and the pick‑up experience. Staff said they would explore an educational campaign with reminders about setout times, pick‑up etiquette and storage recommendations and report back.
Speakers included Deputy City Manager Isam Cameron and council members who described constituent complaints and requested follow‑up on cart sizing, contract options and resident education.
