Bellaire’s Solid Waste staff delivers trash bags to residents three times a year, as part of the City’s solid waste services. The most recent bag delivery was in May of this year after a delay in getting the bags from the supplier.

On February 20, 2023, “City staff presented to City Council the current contract with Central Poly-Bag Corp. to purchase garbage bags in an amount not to exceed $150,000. Council approved the contract but directed staff to place a single order for the first delivery date only, and to seek further direction from City Council before making additional purchases.”

As a follow up to the February Council meeting, Mark Velasquez, Director of Public Works, made a presentation to Council, July 10, to help in their decision of whether to continue purchasing the trash bags.

He noted Section 16-2 of the City of Bellaire Code of Ordinances. This requires that garbage to be collected by the City be placed in plastic bags having a minimum thickness of 1.5 mil and a capacity of not less than 20 gallons each that will not leak when handled, or in paper bags consisting of two sheets of 50 lb. wet strength extensible paper. Section 16-2 prohibits the use of containers other than plastic and paper bags meeting these requirements.

Velasquez said Public Works staff had not had a leakage problem with bags that were not provided by the City. Many residents buy their own bags that fit into their kitchen trash cans or use other bags that they purchase on their own. He said as many as 25% of residents do not use the City provided bags. Some residents use their own bags and then put them inside the City provided bags to comply with the ordinance.

Members of Council discussed how the quality of store bought bags had improved over the years and questioned whether there was still a need to supply trash bags that met the requirements of the ordinance. Council member Witt suggested that the City still provide the bags but the residents could pick them up at City Hall, thus saving the cost of delivery. Council member Gordon had a concern that many would not pick them up and then would be paying for something they did not receive. Bellaire residents pay for the bags via the solid waste services charge on their water bill.

After much discussion, Council voted 5-1 (Council member Hotze was absent) to proceed with a purchase order for the second order of trash bags for this year and then make plans to terminate the garbage bag distribution program after that. Residents should receive their next order of trash bags in August.

Update: On July 17, Mayor Friedberg followed up the meeting with a blog post stating, “Council has also expressed a willingness to monitor and see how things play out, and potentially revisit the issue if it makes sense to do so and depending on public feedback.  Questions and concerns may be sent to pw@bellairetx.gov.”