January 2007 update: there's some info about the Big Blue (recycling) rollcarts on our F.A.Q. page

Here come da rollcarts ...

Dear Resident:

Welcome to a new and efficient system of garbage collection, automated collection. This rollcart is fumished for your use and is owned by the City of Dallas. It is used for automated collection, typically a one-person system that mechanically collects this cart with an automated arm. Please allow me to go over a few points about the use of the new collection system.

Use of Rollcarts

1. The 425 liter (96 gallon) rollcart is for household garbage only. Please do not place any yard waste, liquids, or hot ashes in the cart. Place your leaves, brush, and other bulky items out front on your normal brush collection week for pickup.
2. When you place the cart out on your normal collection day, please make sure the handle is toward the house. Unless you have been contacted by sanitation employees about a change, your collection site will remain the same as before.
3. On collection day, please locate the cart with 3 feet of clearance on each side and 1-¹/₂ feet in back to allow the collection arms to grasp the cart without property damage
4. Recycling
   With this new cart you are no longer required to use blue bags for recycling. The City suggests using the translucent (see-through) plastic bags available from the grocery store. The plastic bag may co-mingle aluminum beverage cans, steel cans (rinsed out), and plastic containers labeled #1, #2, and #3. These codes are normally found on the bottom of the plastic container. Newspaper must still be separated from the other recyclables. Newspapers (including all inserts) should be placed in brown paper bags, and should be placed under the co-mingled plastic bag. The collection of recyclables will not change from your past collection schedule. All recyclables should be placed adjacent or next to your rollcart.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or problems, please contact your District Manager's Office at 214-670-3762 and someone will assist you. We are excited about serving you with the new system.

Jody Puckett, Director
Department of Sanitation Services

DEPARTMENT OF SANITATION SERVICES 3112 CANTON STREET DALLAS. TEXAS 75225

Cart or bag?

Quality Collection Service is our goal

Dallas has completed the phased-in program of automated equipment for residential garbage collection. This means a system of side-load trucks and 90 gallon (340 liter) roll carts. All noncontracted service now use rollcarts for both alley and curbside service. Residential collection with roll carts began in Northwood Hills in July 1999.

Weekly Bagged Recycling: What goes in collection?

A separate collection truck picks up bagged recyclables weekly from the same placement as garbage. Materials to be placed in a translucent (see-through) plastic bag are:

• Aluminum and steel (tin) cans
• Plastic bottles / jugs, coded 1, 2, or 3 (usually stamped on bottom of container)
• Newspaper - place in brown paper grocery sack and set under plastic bag(s)

Can I haul my own refuse?

Dallas residents (show Texas drivers license for proof) may transport materials, including paper for recycling, in cars, station wagons, half-ton pickup trucks or single axle trailers at no charge to:

Call 214-670-5111 for information on operating hours and materials accepted.