Enhanced Recycling Opportunities coming to Southlake Oct. 1

This fall the City of Southlake will introduce enhanced recycling services through Republic Waste Services. Many of the changes include additions and improvements that not only increase the ease and efficiency of the current recycling program, but give residents more opportunities to recycle.

In March of 2007, the City of Southlake entered into a contract with Republic Waste Services of Texas for all residential and commercial refuse collection. This contract included a performance measure requiring an 85% level of resident service satisfaction. In the years since, Republic has maintained a satisfaction rate significantly above 85%, reaching 97% in 2011 according to the most recent Citizen Survey.

“Due to the high satisfaction levels and the long term successful relationship the City has had with Republic, City Council voted to enhance and extend the contract with Republic Waste Services,” said Caroline Eckel, Assistant to the City Manager. “There is also an option for another five years if things continue to go well.”

The current monthly rate is $12.85. To provide residents with the enhanced service opportunities detailed below, the monthly rate will increase to $14.23. This new rate includes trash collection two times per week, bagged grass collection, curbside leaf recycling, a household hazardous waste collection event, bulk collection, bundled brush collection, and automated recycling collection once each week.

The automated recycling collection system is new to residential collection in Southlake. Republic Waste Services has a new fleet of trucks with robotic arms attached to more efficiently collect recycling. This new system allows for the use of large cart receptacles with wheels which will be provided to residents free of cost.

With the increased success of the curbside leaf recycling program hosted by Keep Southlake Beautiful, it has become a permanent service enhancement provided by Republic Waste Services. During the program’s pilot period, Southlake residents have bagged and recycled close to 550 tons of leaves. Its success has helped provide local landscapes with necessary organic matter and nutrients.

The rate changes are scheduled to take place October 1, 2013. Starting in mid-September, Duncan Disposal will start delivering the new recycle carts and pick up the old ones. “Residents are free to keep their smaller bins if they choose and use them inside their homes,” said Eckel who is also the City’s liaison to Republic. “But if they want them picked up, they can just place them in the new carts and Republic will take care of the rest.”

For more information about the City’s Garbage and Recycling services, please visit www.CityofSouthlake.com/GarbageandRecycling.