Friendswood Weighs Modernization of Trash Collection System

Friendswood officials are considering a significant modernization of the city’s waste collection system, weighing a transition from manual rear-load trucks to automated side-load collection vehicles that could reshape how residents manage their trash beginning in 2025.

Waste Connections, which has served Friendswood for over 20 years, presented the modernization proposal to the city council Tuesday night. The plan would provide each household with a standardized 96-gallon container and eliminate the need for workers to manually load trash, addressing both safety and efficiency concerns.

“From a safety standpoint, we have less trucks in the city because we’re able to operate more efficiently,” said Zach Ryan, district manager for Waste Connections. “We have less people, there’s no people on the back of the trucks.”

The proposed rate would increase to $22 per month from the current $19.15, with the company offering both five-year and ten-year contract options. Ryan noted this rate remains competitive with neighboring communities, some of which pay more for less frequent service.

The transition reflects an industry-wide trend, with Ryan noting that automated collection is becoming increasingly common. “In general, yes, it’ll become reserved for kind of more the mom-and-pop type places,” Ryan said regarding manual collection methods.

Council members raised several concerns, including elderly residents managing the larger bins and the handling of overflow trash. Ryan assured the council that accommodations could be made for residents who need assistance and that supplementary manual collection would continue for bulk items and special circumstances.

The city previously conducted a pilot program in the Laurelfield subdivision, which Ryan described as successful. “There were no surprises,” he said. “Everyone did fine, the reviews were good, people are happy to have the cans.”

The proposal maintains current service frequencies, with twice-weekly collection. While the standard service includes one container, residents could obtain additional bins for a monthly fee or outright purchase.

City staff will continue to evaluate the proposal before bringing a final recommendation to the council for consideration.