The City of Dover will transition from its current bag-and-tag curbside trash program to an automated toter collection system beginning July 1, 2027.

In this presentation to the City Council on Sept. 2, 2026, members of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, city staff and Waste Management outline the transition and discuss recommendations for how the new system will operate. The presentation covers the proposed use of 64-gallon toters for both trash and recycling, eligibility for curbside collection, requirements for placing trash and recyclables in the containers, options for changing toter sizes after an initial three-month period, and changes to bulky-waste collection. It also addresses the planned public education campaign, potential costs associated with the transition and ordinance changes that will be needed before the new system takes effect. The new automated collection system is scheduled to begin July 1, 2027, replacing Dover’s existing bag-and-tag system.