Houstonians now have new options to make yard waste disposal easier and more convenient. Thanks to the approval by Mayor John Whitmire and the City Council, the Solid Waste Management Department (SWM) has implemented a plan to enhance the flexibility and convenience of the curbside yard waste collection program for participating residents. 

Yard Waste Collection Program

Effective immediately, changes to the City’s Code of Ordinances, Articles I and IV, provide expanded options for curbside yard waste collection. Here are the new provisions:

• Biodegradable Bags: Residents can now use any 100% biodegradable or compostable bags that meet ASTM D6400 or EN 13432 specifications. The previously required city-approved biodegradable bags bearing the City seal are no longer mandatory.
• Reusable Refuse Containers: Yard waste can be placed in personal reusable refuse containers, excluding city-issued 95-gallon refuse carts.
• Tied and Bundled Logs: Small logs can be tied and bundled in 4-foot lengths.

Note: Contents in personal reusable containers and bundles of yard waste must not exceed 50 lbs.

How to Participate

Eligible households can take advantage of the weekly curbside yard waste collection services, which coincide with the scheduled garbage collection days. Here’s how to participate:

1. Placement: Place yard waste materials at least 3 feet away from regular trash bins or other obstructions on the designated collection days.
2. Separation: Ensure that curbside yard waste is not mixed with trash, paper, plastic, or any other types of waste. Mixed contents will not be collected.
3. Contractors: Professional landscaping contractors hired for residential services must properly dispose of any debris resulting from their work.

The City of Houston is committed to making yard waste disposal more efficient and convenient for its residents. With these new options, Houstonians can participate in the curbside yard waste collection program more flexibly and sustainably.