Dallas moves forward with targeted waste collection changes to improve worker safety in narrow alleys
Dallas, Texas – The Dallas City Council received a detailed update this week on the city’s ongoing efforts to improve worker safety and operational efficiency for waste collection services, particularly in narrow alleyways that pose long-standing challenges. The discussion included a summary of findings from a recent customer survey and a presentation of potential next steps.
Addressing Safety Hazards and Efficiency Challenges
At the heart of the issue is the elevated risk sanitation crews face when collecting garbage in narrow alleys. These tight spaces often lead to repeated damage to public and private property, limit access for vehicles, and result in inefficient routes that can slow down operations and increase long-term costs.
City staff emphasized that worker safety remains a key concern, and any changes under consideration are rooted in that priority. A targeted customer survey was conducted in neighborhoods that may be impacted by potential adjustments to the collection process. The survey gathered resident feedback and allowed staff to weigh customer preferences alongside internal data and operational constraints.
Based on the Council’s input, city staff will adopt an incremental strategy that focuses on “minimal, targeted transitions in the most constrained and most problematic alleyways across the city.” This approach is intended to deliver improved safety and efficiency while minimizing disruptions to regular service for most residents.
At the same time, Sanitation Services will continue to research emerging technologies and solutions that may help address alley-specific risks and reduce costs over the long term.
“We appreciate the City Council’s feedback and thoughtful discussion on this complex issue,” said Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert. “We recognize that changes to a service people depend on every week are significant. We will continue to engage with the City Council and the community as we move forward with this transition, prioritizing transparency in our communications and next steps.”
Transition Planning and Community Outreach Set to Begin
As the plan advances, the city will now enter a planning phase, which includes preparing a customer communication strategy, refining implementation timelines, and developing a tiered rate structure for both alley and curbside collection services.
Public outreach is expected to begin in summer 2026, giving residents a chance to understand the changes and ask questions before any adjustments are made. If approved, the first changes to collection points in designated alleyways will start in February 2027.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and access updates at dallas.gov/sanitation as the city moves forward with its plan to balance public service with workforce protection and operational efficiency.
