If your cart is starting to attract pests and has a buildup of residue on the inside, it is your responsibility to clean your cart. The City of Garland Environmental Waste Services Department will not clean your cart for you or provide you with a new cart to replace your dirty cart.
After the garbage truck has emptied out your trash cart, use a water hose to clean the inside of the cart. Often times, pressure from the water hose alone may be enough to remove the residue from the cart.
If further cleaning is needed, use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to help sterilize the cart and remove odors. DO NOT use bleach or any other chemical cleaning agent in the cart. Damage to the cart caused by a resident may lead to fees to replace the cart. Chemicals poured onto our streets and lawns are toxic and can make their way into our storm water system, harming wildlife and the environment.
To keep your cart clean please follow these tips,
- Always bag all trash and tie the bag tightly. For your recycling, do not bag your items. Instead, make sure all items are clean, dry and empty before placing in the cart.
- Always ensure the lid to the cart can close completely. Avoid overfilling the cart.
- If necessary, keep the cart inside or covered from the elements to prevent water from getting inside the cart.
- Try composting your food scraps instead of placing them in the trash. Never place food in the recycle cart.