City of Houston 

Houston – May 9, 2024: Houstonians have new options to make yard waste disposal easier and more convenient. Houston Mayor John Whitmire and City Council approved the Solid Waste Management Department’s (SWM) plan to improve the flexibility and convenience for participating residents of the curbside yard waste collection program.

Effective immediately, approved changes to the City’s Code of Ordinances, Articles I and Articles IV, made provisions to expand the set-out options for participating households of the curbside yard waste collection program. City-approved biodegradable bags bearing the City seal are no longer required. Residents now have the options to use any 100% biodegradable bag (or compostable bag) meeting the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6400 or EN 13432 specifications.

“These programmatic enhancements are a direct reflection of recommendations received from a variety of residents and civic groups who support the continued growth of our operations,” said Department Director Mark Wilfalk. Residents may also place curbside yard waste contents in personal reusable refuse containers (excluding city issued 95-gallon refuse carts); or tie and bundle small logs in to 4-foot lengths. Contents in personal reusable containers and bundles of yard waste must not exceed 50 lbs.

How To Participate

The City provides weekly curbside yard waste collection services on the same days as scheduled garbage collection days; (periodic service delays may occur.) Eligible households can participate in the yard waste curbside collection program by placing their materials at least 3-feet away from their regular trash bins or other obstructions on their designated collection days.

As a reminder, service personnel will not collect curbside yard waste mixed with trash, paper, plastic, or any other types of waste. In addition, professional landscaping contractors hired to provide residential services are responsible for properly disposing of any debris resulting from work performed.

ABOUT HOUSTON SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

The Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) provides solid waste services to the citizens of Houston through the collection, disposal, and recycling of discarded material in a manner that is safe, efficient, environmentally sound, and cost-effective.

For more information about SWMD and our services, visit us at www.houstonsolidwaste.org, “LIKE” us on Facebook at @houstonsolidwaste, follow us on X @HoustonTrash. Download our app HTX Collects on Google Play or IOS Store to Never Miss an Update again! Call 3-1-1, the City of Houston’s Customer Service Helpline.