The City of Bismarck's Pubic Works Service Operations Department is seeking input from residents through an online survey regarding a variety of aspects of residential garbage collection. The survey will help us understand the community's priorities and concerns as we look to transition to a new system expected to enhance safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Due to the manufacturers discontinuing the construction of the multipack trucks (trucks that have both a rear-loading and side-arm loading mechanism, the City of Bismarck is forced to transition its fleet as most of the garbage collection trucks are nearing or have exceeded their useful life. To replace these multipack trucks, the City of Bismarck is looking at going to trucks with a side-loading arm. This change would provide several benefits, but could come with potential changes to what is collected.

"We value the input of our residents as we consider a way forward with this transition," said Public Works Service Operations Director Steve Salwei. "Our citizens' feedback will guide us to making decisions that best serve everyone's needs and wants. But for us to try to meet those needs and wants, we need input from the community."

Presently, Bismarck is one of the only communities in the region that allows the free collection of unlimited extra items to be placed beside a garbage can. However, with the transition to the new side-arm only trucks, the City needs to find out what is important to our residents.

The seven-question survey is available online. The survey closes at 11:59 PM on Monday, September 16. It may be completed anonymously.

More information about the City of Bismarck's garbage service is available online. Garbage is traditionally collected Monday through Friday in the City of Bismarck, with Friday's utilized when a holiday impacts service.