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SERVICES & OPERATIONS UPDATEYard Waste Collections is experiencing longer than usual delays. Crews are working to complete these routes. Residents have the option to take their yard waste, recycling, and bulk waste to one of the six Neighborhood Depository & Recycle Centers.
For Operational Updates, please download our HTX Collects mobile app or sign-up to receive notifications online!
Hiring Commercial Truck Drivers
The department is also hiring Commercial Truck Drivers and offering a signing incentive retention pay for these critical classifications. MORE>>
SWMD Long-Range Plan
The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) is excited to announce the creation of an updated Long-Range Solid Waste Management Plan covering waste and recycling programs for Houston until 2040. MORE »
Award Honoring the Very Best in the Recycling Industry
The City of Houston’s Solid Waste Management Department recycling processing partnership with Fomento de Construcciones y Contractas (FCC) has been named the "Best U.S. Recycling Facility of the Year... MORE »
Solid Waste Cart Management
Effective July 1, 2020 and pursuant to City of Houston Ordinance Amending Sections 39-1, 39-49, 39-62, AND 39-63, passed by City Council on 05/13/2020, a $1.14 cart fee will be charged to water accounts that receive COH Solid Waste Service. MORE »
Proper Motor Oil Disposal
Used motor oil is not collected in your curbside collection. Used motor oil is a contaminant of waterways, so do not dump down the drain or trash. MORE »
Thanks but NO TANKS
Your disposable helium tanks are not accepted in your curbside recycling. Placing tanks in the trash cart is also hazardous. MORE »
City Cracking Down on Illegal Scrap Tire Operations
Effective July 1, 2016, the grace period for compliance with the City of Houston’s Scrap Tire Ordinance will expire and enforcement will begin in earnest. MORE »
Rules & Regulations
When placing your carts at the curb, remember to leave 3 feet between each cart and other objects such as cars, trees, and mailboxes... MORE »
About the Director
Mayor Sylvester Turner has selected Mark C. Wilfalk as the new Director of the Solid Waste Management Department. Wilfalk, who has nearly three decades of experience in solid waste resource and environmental management, will join the City of Houston from Tampa, Florida. Wilfalk has held various positions, including director and chief of operations, with Tampa's Department of Solid Waste and Environmental Program Management. As the director, he led the organization's administrative and managerial processes to provide comprehensive collection, disposal, and environmental services to approximately 80,000 residential and commercial customers.Read MORE
City Wide Automated Curbside Recycling
Automated curbside recycling for Houston residents is here. Everyone with City of Houston collection now has recycling in the big 96-gal cart. Collection began on March.
Curbside Recycling
Collection Schedule
Want to know when your SWMD service days are? Visit our online search tool, MYCITY and enter your Houston area address for information.
Your Schedule
Business Recycling Program
Houston Business Recycling Program The City of Houston strives to save businesses money, protect the environment and keep Houston clean.
Business Recycling
Carton Recycling Program
Yes! Cartons are recyclable. The City of Houston accepts cartons for recycling.
Carton Recycling
Go Green Communities
The Houston Apartment Association (HAA) and the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) launched on November 15, 2011 the Go Green Community initiative to increase recycling in apartment communities.
Green Communities
Rules & Regulations
When placing your carts at the curb, remember to leave 3 feet between each cart and other objects such as cars, trees, and mailboxes so the SWMD trucks can pick them up quickly and easily.
More Rules & Regulations
