The City of Duluth, in partnership with Republic Services, is excited to announce a significant upgrade to its waste management system. Beginning May 1, 2024, Republic Services will implement a transition from designated trash bags to standard rolling carts for trash collection.

As of March 26, over 75% of residents have already received their new trash and recycling collection carts, with all residents expected to have their carts by April 1, 2024. It is important to note that if a resident already has a Republic Services recycling cart, they will only be receiving a new trash cart.

Republic Services’ decision to adopt cart-based trash collection within Duluth city limits was made in response to industry trends and safety considerations. The bag system is being phased out industry-wide and staffing of two-man trucks has been increasingly difficult. Add in increased traffic concerns, making helpers riding on the back of trucks more and more unsafe. The benefits of this transition include increased capacity for larger households, enhanced recycling capabilities, and improved convenience in waste disposal.

In addition to the transition to cart-based trash collection, Republic Services will be implementing a change to its collection schedule. Starting April 29, 2024, trash collection will shift from a 3-day a week schedule to a 5-day a week schedule. To assist residents with the transition, Republic Services will be sending out postcards to every resident the week of April 15, providing details on their designated pickup day. This notification will be sent to all residents, even if their pickup day remains unchanged. The color-coded map below outlines the service days for each area. Click the map to enlarge.

Residents are reminded that cart collection will begin on May 1, 2024. Until then, designated Duluth trash bags must continue to be used.

Still have questions? Mayor Greg Whitlock will be hosting a special edition of Connect Duluth on Monday, April 1 at 6:00pm. Connect Duluth is a virtual meeting hosted on Facebook and Youtube where elected officials answer community questions. A representative from Republic Services will join Mayor Whitlock and they will be discussing all things trash! Learn more at duluthga.net/connectduluth.

For more information on the transition and to review the frequently asked questions, residents are encouraged to visit the City of Duluth website at duluthga.net/trashservice. The website offers translation options, allowing residents to access the information in over 70 languages.

Residents with further inquiries or in need of assistance are encouraged to contact Republic Services by emailing cityofduluth@republicservices.com.