​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
The Change​​​​

What is changing

A limited number of homes will move from alley collection to curbside collection beginning February 1, 2027. Most Sanitation customers will see no change to their service.

  1. Check the map

    Search your address on the map below to see if your home is included in this transition.

  2. Watch for notice

    The City will mail information to transitioning customers before service changes.

  3. Use the curb

    Beginning Feb. 1,  place carts at the curb by 7 a.m. on your collection day.

  4. Alley service continues

    Many Dallas homes will continue to receive approved alley collection.

​
The Challenge

Why some alleys
are hard to serve

Collection trucks need space, stable pavement, and clear access. Many Dallas alleys do not provide that.

Sanitation truck in narrow alley  
Confined Spaces·  01

Limited room to move

Narrow alleys can leave little room for a truck to pass and for crews on foot to safely work.

Unimproved alley  
Surface conditions  ·  02​

Surfaces unsuitable for heavy equipment

Dirt, gravel, and deteriorated surface conditions can delay service and damage equipment.

Deadend alley  
backing  ·  03​

Dead-ends

Dead-end alleys present significant challenges as drivers must back out over long distances in confined spaces.

​

The Distinction

Not every alley
is the same

Sanitation is focusing on alleys with the greatest safety and service concerns. Many alleys continue to support collection.

Paved alley with clear driving path but utility poles and fences nearby. Continues

Most alleys will continue to receive Sanitation service

Wide, paved, clear alleys may continue to support alley collection where conditions allow.

Rutted alley with mud and standing water. Transitions to curb​

Some alleys are hazardous for our crews and equipment

Narrow paths; dirt, gravel, and deteriorated surfaces; and confined conditions make service unsafe and inefficient for crews and equipment.

Address Lookup

Check your address

Use the map to see whether your home is included. If you don't see a blue marker at your location, alley collection continues as normal.

  1. Type your address into the search box.
  2. Select your address from the dropdown list.
  3. Check ​whether your home is marked.​
​

Click here for a full screen version of the map​.

Timing

When will this start

The transition will begin on February 1, 2027.​ Transitioning homes will receive written notice before any change.


  1. Before the change

    Keep using your current collection point until the first week of February 2027​.


  2.

    Notice mailed

    Sanitation will communicate directly with every customer before service changes.


  3.

    Start date

    Begin placing carts at the curb on your first service day in February 2027​.


  4.

    Collection day

    There is no change to your collection day​.

Placement

How to place carts
at the curb

Correct cart placement helps crews collect your garbage and recycling safely and on time.

Rule 1

Out by 7 a.m.

Place carts at the curb no later than 7 a.m. on your collection day (no earlier than 6 p.m. the evening before).

Rule 2

Three feet of space

Leave at least three feet of clear space around each cart on all sides.

Rule 3

Keep carts clear

Do not put carts near parked cars, poles, trees, mailboxes, or other objects.

Rule 4

Lids closed, facing street

Close cart lids and point the handles toward your home.

Service Rates

Alley and curbside rates

Because alley collection requires more staff and equipment than curbside collection, Sanitation will propose a tiered monthly rate to the City Council as part of the City Manager's Recommended FY 2026–27 Budget in August 2026. Details will be published here once the proposal is presented.​

We're engaged in research and development to look for emerging and non-standard technology, equipment, and service models for alleyway collection.  The current transition focuses on locations where conditions already create major service and safety concerns.

​

Sanitation has hired an outside consultant to review possible tools, equipment, and service models for alleys across the city.

Questions & Answers

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers for customers. If your question isn't covered here, contact Sanitation Services by email here​.

Is the City ending all alley collection?

No. This is a limited transition. Most Dallas homes will continue to receive alley collection where conditions allow safe and reliable service.                                                                                                                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                                                                                                                
Why is my home included?

Your alley may be narrow, damaged, blocked, or otherwise difficult for collection trucks and crews to use safely.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
Can I ask to stay in the alley?

You may contact Sanitation with questions or to provide other information you believe we should know. Final decisions are based on safety, access, and service conditions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
Will my collection day change?

Your collection day will stay the same.                                                                                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                            
                                                                     
What if I cannot move my carts?​

Free cart assistance is available for customers who cannot move carts due to disability and have no one in the household who can help.                                                                     

Each week Sanitation will move your carts to the curb and return them after collection. Enrollment is subject to eligibility verification and periodic renewal. Click here to learn more​.
                                                                     

                                                                     
​
Does paying the alley rate guarantee alley service forever?

No. Alley service still depends on safe access and reliable collection conditions, which Sanitation reviews regularly.                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
​
dallas sanitation serves approximately 260,000 customers
36%
Current Alley Collection
64%
Current ​Curbside Collection
listening and refining the plan
2024
Original Plan

Would have transitioned all alley customers.

36%
64% UNEFFECTED
36% of all customers
2025
Revised Approach

Would have affected about 10% of all customers.

10%
90% UNEFFECTED
10% of all customers
2026
Current Plan

Will affect only 2% of all customers.

 
98% UNEFFECTED
2% of all customers
Percentages are rounded. Customer counts are based on approximately 260,000 Sanitation customers. ​

​​
​​
​
Need Help

We're here to answer
your questions.

Contact Sanitation with questions about your address, cart placement, the map, or any part of the transition.

Email
SAN.CurbTransition@dallas.gov​​​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​​
​​