Solid Waste Management

The City of Houston provides weekly curbside garbage collection for single‑family residential homes using 96‑gallon automated garbage carts. This service supports safe and efficient disposal of household waste for more than 390,000 Houston households.

Eligibility

• Available to City of Houston residential homes
• Apartment complexes and businesses receive private collection services

Collection Schedule

• Garbage is collected once per week
• Each residence is assigned a collection day
• Search your address using the service lookup tool or the HTX App

Program Guidelines

• Place your city issued garbage cart at the curb between 6:00 p.m. the day before and 6:00 a.m. on your collection day
• Keep container lids fully closed. Carts should not be overfilled or have items sticking out
• Place carts at least 3 feet away from obstacles such as mailboxes, vehicles, trees, or other containers
• Do not block sidewalks, driveways, or roadways
• Blocked or inaccessible carts will not be serviced
• Remove carts from the curb and store them in a secure location by 10:00 p.m. on your collection day
• Waste set out outside of approved guidelines will not be collected
• Collection services follow City schedules and may change during holidays or service interruptions

Accepted Materials

• Bagged household garbage
• Food waste
• Non-recyclable household materials
• Small household items that fit inside approved containers

Materials Not Accepted

• Hazardous waste such as chemicals, paint, or flammable materials
• Tires, batteries, and automotive fluids
• Construction debris or remodeling materials
• Items designated for recycling, yard waste, or heavy trash collection

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Yard Waste Collection

The City of Houston’s Yard Waste Program provides curbside collection to help residents properly manage their yard debris. Residents who place yard waste curbside must call 3‑1‑1 to report that the materials are ready for pickup. In addition to curbside service, residential drop‑off locations are available for those who prefer to bring materials to a designated facility. The guidelines below explain how to prepare yard waste for collection.

• Biodegradable Bags: Any 100% biodegradable or compostable bags meeting ASTM D6400 or EN 13432 standards may be used. City‑approved bags with the City seal are no longer required.
• Reusable Refuse Containers: Yard waste may be placed in personal reusable refuse containers (excluding city‑issued 95‑gallon refuse carts).
• Tied and Bundled Logs: Small logs may be tied and bundled in lengths up to 4 feet.
  Note: Personal containers and bundles must not exceed 50 lbs.

How to Participate
Yard waste is collected at the curb. Residents who have yard waste ready for collection must call 311 to report that the materials have been placed curbside. After notifying 311, please follow these guidelines:

• Placement: Set yard waste at least 3 feet away from trash bins, mailboxes, vehicles, or other obstacles.
• Separation: Yard waste must not be mixed with household trash, paper, plastic, or other waste types. Mixed materials will not be collected.
• Contractors: Landscaping contractors hired for residential work are responsible for removing and properly disposing of any debris they generate.

The City of Houston is committed to providing convenient and sustainable yard waste collection services. These updated procedures give residents more flexibility while helping ensure efficient curbside pickup.