There has been a lot of talk from some residents about why they don’t want to switch their trash pickup from the alley to the curb. Among the top complaints I’ve heard is that elderly and disabled residents will likely have trouble dragging the heavy trash bins out to the curb and back once a week.

Thanks to the Helping Hands program offered by the city, this should hopefully not be a problem. If any residents find themselves in that situation, here’s what they should do.

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First, obtain a note signed by your doctor on his letterhead with the following information: your name, address, and daytime phone number as well as the doctor’s verification that you are unable to put their garbage out for whatever reason. Please note, the letter doesn’t have to specify a specific medical condition.

Fax (or have your doctor fax) the letter to 214-670-0277. Upon receipt, a service agent will contact you and set you up with the, totally free, Helping Hands service. Once this is set up, someone will pull your garbage can out on the street for you each week and put it back wherever your store it after it has been emptied.

If you have any questions about this service, contact the city sanitation department.