Farmers Branch council reviews rules for residential trash and recycling carts

At a Nov. 4, 2025, Farmers Branch City Council study session, staff presented possible amendments to city code addressing the screening, visibility and storage of residential rollout trash and recycling containers.

Sam, a city staff presenter, told the council: “What's in front of you is a request by mayor Lynn to speak about or discuss concerns that were raised with with respect to the visibility of roll out containers, which includes residential and recycled, recycling bins.” He summarized the existing city standard in Chapter 56 and the enforcement record: staff reported 5,613 code‑violation notices from Oct. 1–Oct. 17, and 132 of those notices related to rollout containers — roughly 2% of the total, primarily for carts left at the curb after collection or stored between the house and the street.

The presentation noted a small municipal survey: four of five nearby cities provide location criteria for lots with alley collection; three prohibit containers between the home and the street; one requires containers within a certain number of feet from the home; and one requires containers behind the building line.

Council members debated aesthetics, equity and enforcement practically. Councilwoman Burton said, “Honestly, I don't particularly care for the bins. I think we should be using brown paper bags,” while acknowledging the carts are in widespread use. Councilwoman Bennett urged caution about imposing rules that would require residents to pay to build screening structures or that would be difficult for people without garages or alleys. Councilman Reed asked whether HOA rules can be stricter than the city; staff replied that the city enforces the municipal code while deed restrictions remain a matter between homeowners and their homeowners' associations.

Councilman Roman and others raised concerns about seniors and residents with limited mobility. Roman said council members previously reached a compromise that sought to avoid creating a heavy enforcement burden or new out‑of‑pocket costs for residents, and warned that stricter rules could produce a wave of violation notices that would be difficult to enforce. Staff noted smaller cart sizes are available on request for qualifying seniors or residents with disabilities; residents must call the city or the contracted hauler to request a swap.

There was no formal vote to change the code at the study session. The council asked staff to continue public information efforts, to consider on‑the‑ground visits to assess visibility and screening options, and to report back with possible amendments that balance aesthetic goals with practical impacts on residents.

The council chair closed the discussion and directed staff to continue enforcing the ordinance as written and to prepare public information explaining resident responsibilities and options for smaller carts.