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1. Are my service days changing?

The City is working with Republic Services to optimize routes and create fewer service days for residents to remember. Check out our "Find My Service Day" tool to see what your solid waste service days will be beginning January 16, 2023. 

2. Why are my service days changing?

Service days are changing because we are optimizing routes! Changing the routes (and some of the service days) allows for the collection to be completed more efficiently. The quicker the routes are completed, the quicker the trucks will be out of your neighborhood! 

3. Why are these changes happening if we haven’t changed vendor?

The expiration of the existing contract provided the opportunity for the City to reevaluate the current service levels and renegotiate service options for residential and commercial customers.  

4. How was the vendor selected?

With City Council’s direction, the City released a request for proposals (RFP) in April 2022. Three vendors submitted complete proposals in response to the RFP. Each of those vendors was invited to participate in a finalist interview and their proposals were scored by a selection committee. Republic Services is the vendor that received the most points during the RFP process. City Council directed City Staff to enter contract negotiations with Republic Services.  

5. How was the Solid Waste Task Force involved with the new contract?

In June 2021, City Manager Michael Goodrum appointed a 17-member Solid Waste Task Force to develop the recommendations for the future of solid waste and recycling in Sugar Land, with the existing Exclusive Solid Waste and Recycling Franchise Agreement expiring in March 2023. The Solid Waste Task Force developed service level and program development recommendations based on public surveys and online town halls. These recommendations were reviewed by City Council and incorporated in the City’s request for proposals.  

6. Why was the same vendor selected versus someone else?

Republic Services was selected as the City’s solid waste contractor because their proposal received a higher score in the request for proposals process than the other contractors.

7. When will final implementation take place?

The implementation date of the new solid waste contract will be January 16, 2023. Service days and options will not change until that date.  

8. What about Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)?

The Solid Waste Task Force recommended several options for household hazardous waste collection for City Council consideration. After implementing the new contract with Republic Services, the City will explore household hazardous waste collection options, including drop off events, drop off facilities, curbside collection, and more.  

9. What service levels are included in the new contract?

The new contract includes twice weekly trash collection, weekly recycling collection, weekly green waste collection, on-call bulky waste collection, and on-call bulk cardboard collection.  

10. Who do I contact if I have missed trash?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your collection, please contact Republic Services at 713-726-7307.

11. What counts as a “personal container” for green waste?

Green waste can be placed in a reusable container, such as a plastic bin or cart. Do not place green waste in your City issues trash or recycling cart.  

12. What if I don’t put green waste in a clear bag?

If your green waste is bagged in a non-clear bag, it is considered out of compliance. The contractor and the City will work together to tag your items and remind you of the green waste requirements. After the initial transition to the new service requirements, green waste compliance will be enforced by code enforcement officers.  

13. Why does green waste have to be in a clear bag?

The City recycles green waste into mulch, and clear bags allow the contractor to be sure that your green waste isn’t contaminated with trash. Clear bags are also required during emergency events for the City to be eligible for federal reimbursement! 

14. When is my bulky waste day?

The City is switched from pre-scheduled bulky waste collection to a flexible, on-demand service. Residents will still receive 12 bulky waste collections per year, plus three additional holiday bulky waste collections. 

15. How do I request bulky waste?

You can request a bulky waste pick up through the Republic App, via email at sugarland@republicservices.com, or by calling the contractor at 713-726-7307. 

16. Who do I call to report a solid waste violation?

Contact 311 or 281-275-2900 to report any solid waste violations.