Grand Prairie approves 13‑year Republic Services franchise, moves city toward carts and phased rollout
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Summary
The council approved a 13‑year franchise with Republic Services that phases out bagged trash and provides 96‑gallon carts for trash and recycling, establishes a phased rollout beginning April 2026 and sets an additional $6.56 monthly charge for a second garbage cart.
The Grand Prairie City Council on Jan. 6 approved a 13‑year franchise agreement with Republic Services (doing business as Republic Services of Arlington) to provide automated cart service for residential garbage and recycling and to phase out bagged trash.
Staff explained the new contract would deliver 96‑gallon carts for trash and recycling, that bulky and brush collection would be handled by a separate truck on the same service day, and that the city will phase implementation area by area, starting with a phase‑1 rollout in April 2026 for one‑day‑a‑week service in those initial neighborhoods. Staff and the Republic presenter said the company is phasing out bagged trash regionally and that Grand Prairie is among the last cities in the area to offer bagged pickup.
Council members focused on resident education and operational questions: staff committed to bilingual outreach (English/Spanish), public information materials (trifold/mailers and videos), HOA coordination, and curb placement guidance. Staff also outlined a process for residents with mobility challenges to apply for door‑side (doorstep) pickup; staff said 12 households currently have door‑side service and the city will accept applications to add qualifying households.
Staff noted a resident can request a second cart for households that habitually overflow a single cart; the additional garbage cart carries a monthly additional fee (stated on the record as an additional $6.56 per month). Questions about how bulky items and brush will be picked up were answered: bulky/brush will be collected by a separate truck on the same service day.
Councilmember motioned to approve the franchise and correct the "doing business as" language to Republic Services of Arlington; motion seconded and carried.
Why it matters: The switch changes curbside operations for every household, removes bagged trash as a service option over time, and requires a citywide resident education program. Door‑side service and additional carts are available but involve an application or fee.
What’s next: Republic and city staff will proceed with the phased rollout and the city will publish education materials and a timeline (staff referenced www.gptx.org/ for updates).
