The City of Dallas Department of Code Compliance is asking local residents to help keep the city clean.
Officials hosted a Community Clean Trash-Off event and community resource fair on Saturday at the Fretz Recreation Center in northern Dallas, allowing people to dispose of trash, bulk items, oils, paint, and more free of charge.
Organizations such as Dallas Fire-Rescue, Dallas Parks and Recreation, and the Dallas Police Department’s Community Operations Division, among others, provided a multitude of services ranging from issuing library cards to providing mental health services.
Scores of people in their vehicles arrived throughout the morning, dropping off various types of refuse, including shredded documents, batteries, tires, and general trash.
Workers at the event deposited refuse in large containers painted in various styles from the City’s “Murals on the Move” collaboration with the Dallas Office of Arts and Culture. The container designs depicted Dallas neighborhoods, historic buildings, and other scenes.
The City of Dallas has had a history of difficulties regarding trash accumulation in its public spaces. A survey conducted by The Dallas Express in 2023 indicated that a majority of residents were displeased with the City’s handling of the problem.
Groups like the Metroplex Civic & Business Association have had to step in and organize their own adopt-a-block programs.
Code compliance personnel said that Saturday’s event and others like it are among the many initiatives the City set in place to keep the streets clean. Cebrina Willis, outreach specialist for the Department of Code Compliance, said such events also allow residents to engage in keeping their communities clean.
“We do this to combat the trash and the complaints of course, but we also do it to get people involved so we can educate them. Because we do educate them on how it’s our city, but it’s your job as well, so you can help us too,” Willis told DX.
Residents are also invited to engage in a program called “Take the Pledge,” another outreach program dedicated to promoting conservation efforts and city cleanliness.
While DX‘s polling suggests otherwise, the Wilkersons, a husband and wife duo in line to have their trash accepted, told DX that the City was doing a “fantastic job” in its efforts.
Kevin Mondy, manager of community engagement and marketing for Dallas Code Compliance, said that the event was just one of several city beautification initiatives officials have planned. Such events include Adopt a Spot, Love Your Block, an upcoming beautification collaboration with FC Dallas, and more.
“I think the more of those we get in our community, it will begin starting to synergize the energy needed to move us toward a more vibrant city,” said Monday, speaking with DX.
Shortly after the department personnel stopped accepting refuse, dozens of families and their pets arrived to attend the resource fair. In addition to the multitude of services, visitors were also provided refreshments like snack items and fresh fruit.
