Dallas Sanitation Services will phase out alley trash and recycling pickup for nearly 26,000 households next year, city officials say, sparking a backlash. An online petition has attracted more than 4,000 signatures in just a few days, urging city leaders to reverse the decision.
Sanitation Director Cliff Gillespie says the move prioritizes safety, cost efficiency and speed. He contends that automated curbside collection can service roughly 233 homes per hour—nearly double the rate in alleys—and reduces equipment damage and worker injury risks.
The city previously briefed council members in June 2024 on plans to begin phasing out service in narrower and dead-end alleys starting January 2026…