The City of Waco is considering changes to its yard waste collection program that officials say could reduce costs and simplify trash service for residents.
City staff told Waco City Council the current system — which uses separate green carts for yard waste — is not working as originally intended.
Director of Public Works Cody Petillo said the program was designed to divert organic material from the landfill and repurpose it as mulch. But contamination in the carts has made that difficult.
“The intent was great, but the program is really not meeting what it was designed to do,” Petillo told council members.
Petillo said many green carts contain trash or other materials that prevent the yard waste from being reused, meaning much of it ultimately ends up in the landfill.
Usage of the service is also limited. According to city data, most residents rarely use the green carts.
“Eighty-nine percent of our residential customers do not use their green carts regularly or at all,” Petillo said.
Under the proposal, yard waste such as grass clippings could be placed in regular trash carts. Brush and larger amounts of leaves would be collected through an on-demand pickup service instead of the current curbside schedule.
City officials estimate the change could save about $680,000 annually while reducing collection routes across the city.
“We are transitioning — we are not cutting services,” Petillo said.
If approved, the city would launch a public outreach campaign ahead of the change. The new system could begin as early as October.
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