Who is Impacted?
Small businesses across Texas, like mine, are being shut out by exclusive waste franchise agreements enforced by cities such as Mesquite. These agreements give large corporations like Waste Management and Republic Services sole control over waste services, leaving small business owners unable to compete. Property owners are also impacted, as these monopolistic practices limit their ability to choose their own waste service providers, even for temporary needs like construction or demolition projects. Recently, my rolloff dumpster, used for concrete recycling on private property, was impounded by the City of Mesquite—an action that violates Texas law and unfairly disrupts my business.

What is at Stake?
If these exclusive agreements remain in place, small businesses will continue to be driven out of the market, stripping communities of local entrepreneurship and innovation. Property owners will lose their freedom to contract with the service providers of their choice, further entrenching the monopolies created by large corporations. On the other hand, ending these agreements would restore fair competition, protect small businesses, and empower Texans with the freedom to choose who they do business with. The stakes are high—not just for small businesses, but for the values of competition and fairness that make Texas thrive.

 
Why is Now the Time to Act?
This is not just my story—this is a growing problem across Texas. Cities are enforcing these agreements despite the protections provided by Texas Health and Safety Code § 364.034(h), which explicitly protects the right to temporary waste services. Small business owners, property owners, and communities cannot wait any longer. Every day these agreements are allowed to stand, more businesses are hurt, and Texans lose their ability to operate freely and fairly. Now is the time to demand change. Let’s unite to stop these monopolistic practices and protect small businesses and property rights in Texas.