Understanding Alley Trash Rules

A clear, fact-based guide for residents

Understanding the Rules of Alley Trash Collection in Dallas

Alleys are part of the City’s infrastructure. They are regulated by the Dallas Development Code and must remain open for sanitation trucks, utilities, and emergency services. Use this reference to stay compliant and keep neighborhood collection running smoothly.

1Why Alleys Matter for Trash Collection

  • Trash and recycling trucks are permitted—and in many neighborhoods expected—to collect via the alley.
  • Alleys must stay open for continuous vehicle access, including ONCOR, Atmos, AT&T, Spectrum, and emergency vehicles.
  • If alleys are blocked, narrow, or overgrown, service can be delayed or rerouted.

2Minimum Widths & What They Really Mean

Some officials reference “8, 9, or 10-foot alleys” to imply unsafe conditions. The pavement width is only part of the story.

15 ft

Minimum City right-of-way (R-O-W)

8–10 ft

Typical pavement widths (old to current standard)

20 ft

Example: Homes with rear-garage alleys running along major roads such as Abrams Road

An 8-foot pavement section does not mean the usable alley is only 8 feet. The full public R-O-W is typically 15–20 feet, which is enough for sanitation and utility vehicles.

3Trash Collection Rules for Residents

Allowed
  • Place trash and recycling bins in the alley pickup point.
  • Set bins out after 7 PM the night before and pull them back by 8 AM the day after service (citywide rule).
  • Trim and maintain your vegetation to stay compliant.
Not Allowed
  • Blocking alleys with vehicles, dumpsters, or equipment.
  • Letting trees, bushes, or weeds grow into the alley R-O-W.
  • Landscaping inside the alley without permits.
  • Leaving bulky items where they restrict truck access.
Required
  • Maintain vegetation up to the alley centerline behind your property.
  • Keep the R-O-W free of debris, limbs, and obstructions.
  • Ensure contractors do not block collection routes.

Have alley pickup? Those same bin timing rules still apply—set out late, pull back early, and keep the path clear.

4Vegetation & Nuisance Rules (City Code §18-14.1)

  • Vegetation from private property may not extend into the public alley R-O-W.
  • Trees, shrubs, and landscaping cannot be installed in the alley without a City permit.
  • If vegetation becomes a nuisance, the City can issue a notice, perform the trimming, and bill the homeowner.
Self-maintain early to avoid citations or abatement charges. Treat the alley like the sidewalk: public land with shared upkeep expectations.

5Utility Access in the Alley

ONCOR trims trees and clears lines at no cost.

Atmos, AT&T, Spectrum, and others rely on clear access for service calls.

Utility crews do not need homeowner permission to work in the alley.

Another reason vegetation must stay controlled: blocked alleys slow down repairs and emergency work.

6Who Owns the Alley?

Homeowners do not own any portion of a public alley—the City does. Still, adjacent residents must keep their segment tidy.

City Responsibilities
  • Maintain public right-of-way
  • Provide sanitation service
  • Regulate access and permitting
Homeowner Responsibilities
  • Routine vegetation control behind fence line
  • Keeping bins and materials out of the R-O-W
  • Coordinating with contractors to avoid blockages

7Common Myths vs. Facts

Myth

“Trash pickup in alleys is unsafe.”

Fact: The Dallas Development Code requires alleys to provide continuous vehicular access—including sanitation trucks—which they have safely done for decades.

Myth

“Homeowners can decide to block or close the alley.”

Fact: Public alleys cannot be blocked unless formally abandoned by the City—an uncommon, multi-year legal process.

8Relevant Ordinances

  • Dallas Development Code § 51A-8.507 — Alleys: Width, access, and construction standards.
  • Dallas City Code § 18-14.1 — Vegetation in Alleys: Clearance rules, projections, and nuisance definitions.
  • Dallas City Code § 18-17 — Nuisance Abatement: Enforcement process and cost recovery.

9Why This Matters for Our Neighborhood

  • Keep alleys accessible for trash collection.
  • Maintain safe clearance for utility crews.
  • Avoid citations and abatement fees.
  • Push back when City staff share incomplete info.
  • Protect alley trash pickup—a service we rely on.
  • Organize neighbors around clear, shared rules.
Create an account or log in to organize events and keep alleys compliant.
Quick Reference Measurements
14 ft
Overhead clearance for vehicles
2 ft
Clear utility easement on each side
Centerline Duty
Maintain vegetation up to the center behind your property.

Need guidance? Contact us and we will connect you with neighborhood resources.

Resources & Reporting
Dallas Morning News Coverage Advocate Magazine Update Contact City Officials
Maintenance Tips
  • Inspect alley clearance monthly.
  • Coordinate contractor parking before the job starts.
  • Document before/after photos to show compliance.
  • Report blocked alleys or missed service promptly.
Property Checklist
Keep weeds under 12 inches

Same standard as private yards—apply it to the alley behind you.

Share responsibility

Neighbors typically rotate mowing, trimming, and debris checks.

No private structures

Fences, sheds, and landscaping cannot extend into alley space without permits.