The city of Round Rock tentatively approved changes to the trash pick-up policy within the city at a council meeting Thursday night.

Director of Utilities Michael Thane said the changes are being made to clarify the policy that some city residents are unclear on. It will allow Round Rock Refuse to more efficiently pick up trash on the roads so it can better serve the 31,000 homes in its four days of service.

The new policy will codify that residents can place seven items for pick-up in addition to the main garbage container. These items must each weigh less than 40 pounds and be no larger than four feet by four feet by four feet.

"It dominoes over the course of the day when [Round Rock Refuse] has to stop and pick up more on the streets," Thane said.

Items like yard scraps, paper boxes and lumber pieces must be bundled together and stacked neatly.

Should a resident not set out trash accordingly, Round Rock Refuse will place a tag on noncompliant refuse notifying him or her of the code violation.

If additional items do not fit these criteria, residents must make special pick up appointments with Round Rock Refuse. Special fees from these appointments will be paid by the requesting resident.

The restrictions will not apply during the Spring Clean Up Week, which takes place in April.

The code will also clarify that garbage containers must be placed at the curb prior to 7 a.m. on collection day for trash to be picked up prior to 6:30 p.m. If the trash is not picked up, residents should contact Round Rock Refuse unless notified otherwise.

Should carts not be picked up because of weather, mechanical problems or other unforeseen issues, Round Rock Refuse will pick up the garbage first thing the next day.

The ordinance must still be read and approved for a second time before going into effect.