TEMPLE, TX (April 22, 2026) - UPDATE: The City of Temple is seeing strong results following its transition to a once-a-month brush and once-a-month bulky item collection system by request, implemented in August 2025.
The updated approach allows residents to schedule collection when needed, enabling Solid Waste crews to focus service in active areas rather than covering every street on a fixed cycle. Since implementation, crews have maintained 100% on-time completion of weekly schedules while improving overall operational efficiency.
From August 2025 through February 2026, the city completed more than 14,600 brush and bulky collection requests, demonstrating consistent community use of the program. By streamlining routes and reducing unnecessary travel, the city has lowered fuel consumption, minimized equipment wear, and made more effective use of staff time.
The new system has also delivered significant cost savings, particularly in landfill expenses. Monthly landfill fees in FY26 have dropped considerably compared to previous years, for example, costs decreased from $19,106 in February FY25 to $4,347 in February FY26, highlighting the financial benefits of a more targeted, demand-based service model.
The City of Temple remains committed to delivering reliable, efficient services while being responsible stewards of taxpayer resources.
City of Temple Solid Waste Division Delivers Service Improvements and Fleet Investments
TEMPLE, TX (December 26, 2025) - The City of Temple’s Solid Waste Division has achieved major service improvements since transitioning from a four-day to a five-day collection schedule in July. By keeping garbage and recycling pickup on the same day, residents across the city are experiencing more reliable and efficient service.
During a City Council Workshop presentation on December 18, Solid Waste Division Director Justin Brantley said the division now operates ten garbage routes and seven recycling routes Monday through Friday, and since moving to a call-in, once-a-month brush and bulk collection per household in August, all scheduled weekly pickups have been completed on time. In addition, landfill renewable natural gas production totaled 383,888 diesel gallon equivalents in Fiscal Year 2025, supplying fuel to power Solid Waste’s CNG trucks.
"This fuel directly powers our CNG fleet, reducing reliance on traditional diesel and reinforcing our commitment to sustainability. It’s a clear example of how innovation at the landfill translates into cleaner, more efficient service for the entire community."
Justin Brantley, Solid Waste Division Director
Service delivery has also improved in several key areas. On-time route completion has increased, and recycling contamination has been reduced from 21 percent in February to 14 percent, outperforming the national average of 17 percent. Collaboration between Solid Waste and Fleet Services has been strengthened with a greater focus on preventative maintenance. This includes having a Fleet Heavy-Duty Technician on-site each morning for pre-trip assistance, implementing a twice-weekly grease schedule for all available trucks, establishing a precision pre-inspection schedule and designated preventative maintenance days, using GeoTab telematics to proactively identify maintenance needs, and providing monthly truck washing services to extend vehicle life and improve reliability.
The city has also invested heavily in its fleet. At the December 18 City Council meeting, Council approved several key investments to strengthen the City’s solid waste fleet. These include a CNG-powered Freightliner M2-112 brush truck, a diesel Freightliner chassis with container body, two Autocar front-load trucks to expand and modernize the fleet, and an upgraded roll-off truck with enhanced capabilities to support efficient sanitation services.
“Our team is proud of the progress we’ve made to deliver reliable, efficient service for Temple residents. By expanding routes, reducing recycling contamination, and investing in modern equipment, we’re building a stronger system that not only meets today’s needs but positions us for the future. We are especially grateful to the City Council for their continued support and investment in our fleet, which makes these improvements possible and ensures we can keep our neighborhoods clean and thriving.”
Justin Brantley, Solid Waste Division Director
Looking ahead, the Solid Waste Division plans to add an eleventh garbage route and an eighth recycling route in Fiscal Year 2026, implement a second commercial sideload route to better serve business customers, and finalize the Landfill Master Plan to guide future operations and growth.
Together, these improvements reflect the City of Temple’s ongoing commitment to reliable services, smart investments, and keeping neighborhoods running smoothly.