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Farmers Branch committee weighs curbside food‑waste pickup and drop‑off options
Summary
Committee members discussed options for food‑waste diversion, including reintroducing a drop‑off site and an opt‑in curbside pickup service (described as a weekly 5‑gallon bucket swap). Staff asked whether residents would pay roughly $35 per month for curbside service; no decision was made.
Committee staff presented two primary options to increase food‑waste diversion: re‑establishing a multi‑day drop‑off compost site or developing an opt‑in curbside collection service, and asked the committee for feedback on costs and participation.
"We're looking into options for food waste diversion," Speaker 3 said, describing a curbside model in which residents would set a 5‑gallon bucket on the curb on collection day and receive a clean bucket when it is returned. Staff said private providers currently charge in that range and asked members, "Would you pay $35 for a service like this?"
Members discussed tradeoffs: a drop‑off site would be free for users but likely open only one day a week and therefore less convenient; curbside pickup would be more convenient but carry a resident service charge. Speaker 3 said the city would explore whether a municipal contract or a subsidy (for example, a discount added to the trash fee) could reduce the price for residents.
Speakers also discussed business and school participation, the potential to combine demand across neighboring jurisdictions to secure a lower rate, and lessons from DFW Airport’s on‑site composting program. Staff agreed to compile and email a list of private providers and to follow up with committee members after the meeting. No formal motion or commitment to a specific service model was taken.
